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oh no she didn't.

19 March 2014


Oh, yes she did. Hair + outfit + pose replication y todo.

I showed Simon this comparison and he said, "I guess I don't know what am I supposed to say - you look the exact same?" ..... treading carefully like the experienced husband of a crazy preg that he is. I guess the only difference is that Theo is a little lower? And that my stupid hair is shorter which is really what I care about, of course.

Anyway. I wasn't going to post about this until next week but what the crazy? Let's do it today because I know the internet has a huge gaping hole in the shape of, "fascinating!!" that needs to be filled. Today.

It's just a little something I like to call ...

Saving Myself From The Third Trimester. 
Or ...
My Quest For Energy - Any Energy At All.

And it's important. This isn't a complaint but an actual fact that this has been my most difficult pregnancy to date by far. Very far. Farther than the eye can see. The morning sickness was the most severe and clung the longest and the shining beacon of promised energy and sunshiney smiles that the second semester is supposed to drop on your doorstep lasted for a few seconds before it slipped right back into the dark pocket from whenst it came.

Cry me a river, Grace Spears. I know. I know. It's a rough life. But I really do blame a lot of this on the weather - like I blame the weather for everything. Always. I haven't been able to walk/run at all until very recently and what was I going to do with all that idle time? Eat. And not just eat but give into every single one of my cravings for Pop-Tarts. And milkshakes. And Pop-Tarts. So I also blame myself.

So! After pawing and clawing my way through yet another week of waking up every morning and dreaming about the next time I would get to not be in a standing position (preferably camping on the couch but the kids! they require my skill set ... allthetime!) and realizing that swimming in a fat vat of self pity minute after minute, hour after hour was getting me nowhere but straight back in my vat .... fast .... I got my thyroid meds adjusted (which helped!!) and mapped out a plan. A plan that wasn't too ambitious because I tend to fail and fail hard at those but a plan that would get me looking a little less dead and a little more alive on the daily. Are you ready?

less coffee/more tea: because for me coffee is just a vehicle for creamer and kicking off the day with a blood sugar spike probably wasn't helping my cause. So swapping the coffee for creamerless tea for several days before I ease back into an acceptable cup of coffee and not a steaming mug of delicious refined sugar is my compromise. And by several days I mean five. I'm on day three. I'm not dead and I don't hate the tea. Look at me conquer my demons.

protein protein protein: I know that eating more protein will help in the energy department but mostly any food with protein sounds not very good. But - I have a cause here. I have to admit that I have never in my life hard boiled an egg but I came across this neat way to bake the eggs and since I'm a sucker for a Pinterest kitchen trick I tried it and it worked really well. And I don't hate hard boiled (hard baked, whatever) as much as I thought and Julia loves them which is nice because her affinity for canned tuna was getting to be a little ... gross. I will never ever eat a deviled egg though - once was plenty. They are aptly named and nope. Anyway - the kids will happily drink smoothies and (unlike Simon) don't notice if I throw in a handful of kale and chia seeds so I've been making more of those. And more avocados which isn't the best idea because the kids LOVE avocados ...


Sebastian + Avocados ... A Love Story
...  ♥ ♥ ♥ ...

and I have to keep them hidden and I don't think they are a great source of protein but they have to be better than Pop-Tarts. I think.

move: I finally buckled down and dusted off the Summer Sanders' Prenatal Workout DVD. I forgot how pathetic it is - it would send the majority of nursing home inhabitants into a fit of laughter with its difficulty level (easy, way too easy) but I know that I would roll my eyes and quit after 4 seconds of Jillian at this point and as easy as the moves are ... it still feels good to move. And there's a lot of swaying that I'm convinced has gotten the baby to drop down and out of my ribcage. It's such a nice feeling to be able to take a full breathe of air without wondering if I might break my back in the process (tell me you know what I'm talking about? Please.) And when the weather cooperates I walk with the kids around the neighborhood. If I had a Fitbit it would probably a. fire me for being too sedentary or b. call 9-1-1 and report that its owner is dead because she not moving - ever.

wake up: I've been getting up about 30 minutes before the kids do (which is early because Theo rises and shines long before the sun does) to either do my laughable work out or shower. And I've been setting breakfast out for the kids so that my first few minutes of awake aren't laden with different demands (Sebastian is on a huge french toast kick and Julia .... tuna, always tuna) and we don't all start the day on a very frustrated foot. We leave that for the "what we wear" vs. "what we want to wear and mom won't let us because it's not swimsuit weather quite yet" wars - which are always a buh-last.

vitamins: I haven't been as religious about taking my vitamins as I should be but I'm back on the wagon and really would just like a pat on the back for my toil in that department.

And how is this going for you, only pregnant person on the planet??

Wellllll 3.5 days in and I'm not chomping at the bit to run a marathon or even a 1k but I woke up feeling better than I have in months this morning. I cleaned out some closets and donated lots of bags of clothing (driven to the drop off bin and ALL ... ) which is probably similar to setting the world on fire at this point. Sebastian kept asking why I was cleaning because the sight is a little bit foreign to his deprived little eyes, I suppose.

I'll keep trucking along with my little plan (aka common sense for the common person) that seems to be almost working but any energy boosting tips for the pathetic are more than welcome. With open arms.

59 comments:

  1. your baby is coming soon!!!! how many weeks are you?

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  2. I'm 15 weeks pregnant, and Grape Nuts have been a life saving way to start the day for the past couple of weeks. 8 grams of protein per serving, and if you throw some milk and fresh fruit on there you've got a) more protein and b) deliciousness (I am DYING for actual berry season when a pint of blueberries is no longer $5 if you're lucky). It's also super easy and requires zero effort or thought, and is easy to stomach first thing. That has really helped my energy levels (combined with finally being out of the miserable evils of the first trimester), along with eating regularly, like every two hours, and trying to get some protein in each time. I'm working on getting back on the exercise bandwagon, but the few times I have gotten out and done something I've felt a lot better the next day. That is my first-time-preg wisdom for you! :) I feel kind of ridiculous giving a veteran such as yourself tips, but I love my Grape Nuts too much not to share!

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    1. this is great! I've been craving cereal and I've never had Grape Nuts .... definitely trying them. Thank you Fiona!! And I'm so glad you're out of the first trimester of doom :)

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    2. To me, eating Grape Nuts is like chewing on gravel. I prefer avocados, low fat cheddar cheese and quinoa for my protein sources.

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    3. ha. I guess I'll just have to try them and find out for myself :)

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  3. These are great ideas! Hope you keep getting more energy back! I've been doing prenatal yoga videos and those help a lot with achiness/energy levels, but probably any exercise would do the same. Rock on, Summer Sanders. :)

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  4. I'm only on baby number three, but I feel like your description of the longer morning sickness and the somewhat non-existent second-trimester honeymoon describes me perfectly. I've recently tried to start exercising more (or...at all) too, and I'm looking to try some of your other options too, because, at this point, ANY extra energy would be much appreciated. When I cleared off the counter in my daughter's bathroom the other day (didn't clean the mirror or wipe anything else down yet), my 4 year old said, "Wow mom, why is it SO clean in here?" Clearly, we're working on MUCH lowered standards around here.

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  5. ha! why are you cleaning?? I love it and great plan btw! easy breakfast idea from mom of 3 boys plain yogurt topped with a dollop of good jam and sprinkle of any kind of granola it's ALWAYS a winner and I ALWAYS forget until breakfast kicks me in the teeth at 645 am--also?? the beacon of sunshine that I AM wants you to know that if you think breakfast is tough wait for school lunches...and I'll leave you with that evil thought because they are coming for you--cheers!

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  6. You poor, lone pregnant lady! As you may know I'm an expert at having energy while being pregnant (NOT. Pulling your baby-tangled rib. Never been pregnant.) but it seems like you have a great list of to-do's. Again, I'm [no] expert here, and probably giving you dull gems of wisdom that everyone has, but protein is found in a lot of different plants - specifically green vegetables like the kale you hide in smoothies. :)
    B vitamins are great! Specifically B12 for energy and just overall function. Can't live without it, really. The problem with most supplements though is a lot of them contain not the best kind of B12 (there are three different kinds). It's my understanding that Methylcobalamin B12 is best absorbed into the body and I believe it's important to be suckin' up that methyl stuff. I remember which kind of B12 is best because it has "meth" in front of it and we all know how good meth is. (See comment above about my credibility.)
    Anyway, you look as cute as ever so at least you have that! ;)

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  7. I always struggle with energy levels for some reason, even when I'm on a huge workout/eating right kick. I even got my thyroid levels checked a few years ago and nope, not that. I think having a routine like the one you set out to do is great because if anything, it can trick your mind into thinking you're a-okay ready to go! ;)

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  8. The only other thing that I would do that you didn't mention is to figure out what gives you energy (blogging, reading, painting your nails, etc.) and do that thing everyday if you can. Hope you get feeling a bit more normal soon!

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  9. I can't even imagine what a mess of tired and cranky I will be when pregnant with small fries so from my childless perch I will declare you a valiant survivor. Also, avocados are not so much on the protein but the healthy fat is definitely an energy boost that lasts longer and stronger than those pop tarts!

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  10. try Mountain Rose Herbs tea. AMAZING options and they are ALL yummy

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    1. oooo - good to know! Simon will be thrilled I'm adding to my growing tea collection ;)

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    2. Enjoy the pop tarts! Great job getting up before the kids. My fourth just turned 6 months old and it's amazing the energy that has returned so I'm encouraging you - there is a huge energy burst in store for you! I put an ad in for a local college girl mothers helper and it has made all the difference. To take a little nap at the end of the pregnancy was huge and it didn't break the bank. Help at the hardest hours is my motto - breakfast or bath / bed time when my husband works all night or travels for work for weeks at a time. Wait until your oldest girl is six - she will run the breakfast table and being you your pop tarts.... Just as a sweet reward for your openness to life and because you modeled beauty and truth for her, it will be innate in her to want to serve you. I love your fun blog. Thanks for sharing and huge prayers that the sun will come out soon!!

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  11. Pop-tarts are crack for me. My niece Jamie (who is 9) comes over after school a few days a week. I keep Pop-tarts around for her because she is my mini-me and has the same addiction. I did start buying organic because it eased my guilt over feeding her addiction. I also keep the huge carton of goldfish and honestly, those are just about as bad. I'm THAT aunt. Energy wise - you're gestating and raising three toddlers, you're going to be tired. If you find a few tricks to ease that, more power to you. I was on bedrest for 2/3 of my pregnancies so I never had a chance to get tired. I saw a book today that made me think of you... have you seen the book, "Go the F* to sleep" ? I generally don't use that language (unless I do) and I never, ever, ever use it around kids (I'm not THAT aunt) but the book is HILARIOUS! It's now going to be part of every baby gift I ever give. Back to the energy thing - can you have more B vitamins? They give me that for my fibromyalgia along with mega doses of D for my arthritis. Neither one helps a lot but I can tell when I miss them.

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  12. Before I had my knee replacement surgery, and was in a lot of pain and dragging bottom I found hemp hearts helped ALOT!!! and it is protein. start at 3 tablespoons and work your way up to 5 TBLSPNS. I had it with my morning yogurt.

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  13. Grace, you might feel like crap but you sure don't look like it!

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    1. oh, thanks Robin!! it is 100% the filter on the photo. but this made my day!

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    2. Honeybunch, my husband is a camera nut and knows lots of photo tricks but my pictures never seem to capture my natural beauty. As he says, "Sweetie, there's only so much I can do". So, trust me, you're adorable, inside and out!

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  14. You probably know this because you're a non-moron, but even though I've been on thyroid meds for, um…10 years? I somehow forgot since having mine offspring that they have to be taken on an empty stomach and at least 2 hours before any food is consumed. So basically at 5 am, for me. And also not with any other drugs, particularly ones containing iron. Yeah, I'd been throwing back my thyroid meds/antidepressant/prenatal/extra iron cocktail with a shot of espresso for the past several years, so imagine my surprise when I started popping the thyroid during Evie's earliest morning feed a couple weeks ago and suddenly, bam, I can get out of bed in the morning. It feels like the difference between no coffee and three cups of coffee, energy wise. Amazed. And an idiot.

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    1. It depends on the type of thyroid med, too... I take Armour Thyroid (very few side effects, the most natural you can get) and you only need to wait 30 minutes before eating. Yay. :)

      My doctor also told me not to eat grapefruit in the morning because it messes with the thyroid Rx.

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  15. Sardines with saltines. Julia would love it. :o)

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  16. I think 70% of the country is suffering from a big case of SAD!

    Be sure to check out today's post, two recipes that are healthy, easy, nutritious and fulfill sugar cravings!

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  17. Girlfriend, I get you. On all of it. I was so sick with my pregnancy taking a shower was exhausting (so I only showered every few days... obviously I was cute). My husband and I have been talking about kid #2 and he told me, "I'm not ready for you to be pregnant again." You know, because he was the one who hugged a trash can for 6 months.

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    1. ha! this cracks me up. I don't think I have it that bad .... or maybe I just consider every few day showers the norm) but I do feel bad the toll it takes on the fam when I go into couch camping mode :)

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  18. I can't believe you've never had a hard boiled egg - you crack me up!! Avocado is actually great for you - not so much protein, but the really good kind of fat, which provides its own energy. Do you like greek yogurt? Great source of protein. Apples and peanut butter? I also saw someone suggested grape nuts - you can eat them cold or your can also heat them up like oatmeal. Or throw them in yogurt like granola. And maybe your energy level is down this time because the demands on your time are ever increasing! I know my last pregnancy compared to my first was night and day different. I was tired all the time - because you're growing a person AND taking care of lots of other people. And those pics do look very similar, although Theo is definitely lower and maybe a bit more "pointy"?! Take it easy, my friend - glad you're starting to feel better.

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  19. Umm...I have no tips. Probably because I have no energy and I am not pregnant. But I do find that my days start off merrier than can be if I can get up before all children and guzzle down a cup of caffeine. I should possibly shoot for a shower instead though right?
    And can you explain your secret to looking that incredible pregnant not once but four times? I mean I had to really do a double triple take on the pic because I swore it was the same one!

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  20. Iron supplements were a life changer during my pregnancies!

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  21. Just make sure to take magnesium too to keep "things" moving regularly :)

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    Replies
    1. haha thanks Nicole!! I take both! But if I slack on the iron .... I can tell.

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  22. I am 25 weeks with #2 and starting to get scared because I already find it exhausting to pick Zingo tiles up off the floor and straining to reach the last toddler socks in the back of the dryer. Hold me. I agree with all of your tips...I try to eat eggs every morning (even if I pair it with a cinnamon raisin something) and exercise a few times a week. For me I know getting sunshine is going to help a LOT once it shows its sunny face again. Only other tip would be to keep hydrated! The more water I drink the better I feel...except for the midnight pee runs.

    Good luck and I LOVE your updates and your blog.
    bostonlizpoms

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  23. I am sooo tired at 32 weeks; all I can do lately is get myself through my insanely easy fourth year schedule (psych this month) and then home to the couch....soooo kudos to you for managing it with 3 kiddos. The elliptical trainer + 10 minute prenatal pilates have been my saving graces, along with Cinnamon Life cereal (it has tons of iron and I've been craving it) and yogurt.

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  24. Agreed, 4th pregnancy was THE worst for me too. I ate a lot of sliced cheese and blueberries. I don't know why, but the cheese was a protein source my tummy could handle and the blueberries were just good. Hope your energy sticks around!

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  25. Goodness, I am 23 weeks pregnant with #3, and I am seriously exhausted ALL THE TIME. These days are so long, and the winter in Michigan is so.. winter.. which puts me in a major funk. I am desperate for some warm sunshine and outdoor play for my 3 and 2 year old girls!!! I have zero energy tips.. but a nap sounds great.

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  26. I give mad props to anyone who is pregnant with other children...especially children under 2 y/o. I swear Grace...you gotta move out here. Sunshiney all day err'day. And cheap avocados to your (Sebastian's) heart's content.

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  27. I had plans to take comparison shots of my two pregnancies, but hardly remembered to take any pictures at all, and when I did thought 'I'll definitely remember how many weeks I was in this picture' and didn't bother to label them. So now I just lump them all into 'pregnancy' pictures, and will have to live vicariously through your lovely pictures!

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  28. I usually try to read the previous comments so I don't duplicate..but tonight? Not so much. So, sorry if this was mentioned!

    I really loved Erin O'brien workout DVD's when I was pregnant and for after..This right here specifically (It's the complete pregnancy fitness, if the link doesn't work) :)
    http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Pregnancy-Fitness-Erin-OBrien/dp/B000NVKZWY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1395283055&sr=8-3&keywords=erin+obrien+dvd

    Her post-natal workout saved me after my c-section (stubborn baby girl wouldn't flip...and yes, I tried the laying on the ironing board..much to my husbands bewilderment! ha!)..Wish I would have known about peppermint oil!

    You look fantastic however, so I say you have nothing to worry about :)

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  29. Never say never?

    http://myrecipemagic.com/recipe/recipedetail/guacamole-deviled-eggs

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  30. Same here. On so many levels. After reading your coffee bit, maybe that sugar rush in the am is affecting me too?! :) Darn. And at the doc today I measured 3 weeks ahead. Who does that? Ever? Glad you're finding some energy, and you look as good as ever!

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  31. Pregnancy exhaustion - I hear ya. Baby # 3 and I'm more tired than ever, but I am just finishing up the dreaded first trimester of doom. In my last pregnancy, I quit sugar (any added refined sugars, but kept with fruit and occasional bits of honey) at around 28 weeks and it made the most amazing difference. I was floored by how much more energy I had. Quitting sugar though -- was not easy!

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  32. I can't believe how great you look in both pictures; pregnancy looks so cute on you!!! :)

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  33. Clearly switching to tea most mornings is a very good idea, however coming from a reformed coffee with creamer junkie try frothed milk in your coffee, it's just as good (I promise!) and you can add as little (or much) sugar as you need. Milk frothers are cheap! Here's one from Ikea avail on amazon. Wishing you renewed energy, you look amazing!

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  34. Really, you look pretty amazing for exhausted! I hear you on the lowww energy, and this is only preg number two. Something about a small person/people sucking the life out of you. I've heard that vitamin c can really help give an energy boost. I sometimes take it in water via a powdered form, which gets assimilated into the bloodstream much faster. Oh and it also keeps you regular. :) I use this one: http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Vitamin-Crystals-Ascorbic-Pound/dp/B0013OUMVO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1395320860&sr=8-4&keywords=now+vitamin+c

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  35. I am 8 weeks with #4 and I've been throwing an internal temper tantrum since the min I got that +. Like, don't you get to fast forward through some of the BS when you are doing this for the FOURTH time? Do I really have to start way back at the very very beginning? The thought of more babies is lovely. The thought of being pregnant for one more millisecond just pisses me off. Can't a stork just fly by and throw a baby through the window and call it a day? For the first couple of kids having months a months to prepared emotionally, physically, stuff-ly seemed to make sense. I was all "nature is so smart!" Now? I'm all "yeah yeah yeah, I'm prepared. Someone just hand me a baby plz." In fact, I'm more excited about this actual BABY than I ever have been! I'm just hating being pregnant, did you follow that theme?

    Anyway, I'm going to get some of that blood builder and hope it has some mood elevation properties to it.....

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  36. Oh, I forgot! Have you tried these? http://thomasbreads.com/files/styles/product/public/images/product/package/Thomas_product_EM_package_4812127620.png?itok=RQTkzelv

    5 grams of protein in carbilicious form--plus 8 grams of fiber. I eat one every morning with a fried egg and avocado. Or you could do melted cheese and add lunch meat. During my first trimester when I felt sicker I just ate it with jam.

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    1. Target has them, or any regular grocery store. I buy a bunch, put a pack in the fridge and toast them when I want to eat them. I keep the extra packs in the freezer until I'm ready to eat...then in the fridge they go. That way they keep longer and I don't have to constantly go out and buy more.

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  37. You look fantastic! It's almost over (I'm sure you don't want to hear it). Moving around and doing something, anything is going to help! I'm glad you are feeling better and hopefully lasts through the end!

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  38. Well unfortunately I don't have any energy tips besides diet coke…. so I think your plan is great! and you looks great!

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  39. Peanut butter pop tarts. Protein and cravings solved. Boom.

    I ate a lot of Greek yogurt, egg white and black bean burritos with salsa, and protein granola bars the last few weeks with Ella. Almond butter on Apple slices was also one of my go-to snacks. Almost there ;)

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  40. Sugar kills me and my energy levels. Which is very sad, because I love it so. When I was pregnant, it was all I wanted to eat, and that REALLY killed me. Like you, I didn't want most protein stuff--ugh, meat--so I ate a lot of mashed potatoes with melted cheese. A LOT. Some protein in that, no meat, all good.

    The best energy booster is sleep, of course, but don't make me laugh.

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  41. 4 pregnancies in 5 years, a husband in residency, no family close by, thyroid issues - I'd say you have every reason to be tired! Good that you are taking steps to combat it, but also give yourself a break. You are accomplishing a lot!

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  42. You do have your nails painted this time, so clearly you are not giving yourself enough credit! Also, another Pinterest breakfast trick that I have been loving: cookie dough yogurt. Sounds significantly more sugary than it is, and my kids think I'm giving them dessert for breakfast. http://www.kellybonnell.com/2013/05/cookie-dough-greek-yogurt.html?m=1

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  43. have you tried honey in your coffee? i think it digests differently than sugar so you don't get the crashing.

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  44. On nĂºmero six here. Naps and water. That's all I've got. I think we're just a few days apart (due date is 4/30) so I feel ya. You do look pretty fabulous, filter or none!

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  45. I solute you for being pregnant and having 3 little ones at home! Carrying my first, I can't image taking care of others while going through this wild ride called pregnancy! I solute you, I solute you a hundred times.
    xo jess
    www.stmurrie.blogspot.com

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  46. you look great and I literally laughed out loud at the energy...any energy at all part :)

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