preggers take action!!!

okay all you preggers out there. whether you've been pregnant, are pregnant, or plan on being pregnant-- there is something you should know. well, there's a lot.

here's my shpeel:

from the front and from the back, i look good. in fact, trimmer than pre-pregs, i'd say. turn me to the side, game over/covers blown. you may say-- "that girl most def just gave birth. OR "she must be 3 months pregs" i may be slightly exaggerating but only slightly.

here's the (not so) skinny on what happens while pregs:

for starters, your normal "6-pack muscles" (rectus abdominis) split straight down the middle and spread to the side to make room for your ever-expanding uterus and baby. they become stretched out and lax (especially when you release the relaxin hormone). The same thing happens with your transverse abdominal muscles. and this is an even bigger issue because it's these muscles that hold your stomach in and taut. they call the transverse muscles the "internal girdle" because they literally hold everything together. well guess whose NOT wearing their girdle?! me and all the other new moms.

anyway, when these muscles become stretched and lax your stomach becomes distended and you have what's called abdominal laxity (or post-pregs-pooch) which leaves you looking SUUUUB PAR.

and even worse, if you've had a c-section, you have an even weaker nueromuscular connection causing even more of a protruding belly. neat.

okay, so bottom line: in order to get everything back in tip-top shape you MUST work your transverse muscles, while being careful not to work your 6-pack muscles and obliques so much because this could make the protrusion worse. you want that separation to close before working those guys.

so the month of august is dedicated to the transverse! thats right, these are the pilates "pull your belly button to your spine" kind of exercises.... which i used to think were a joke, but now there's no times for jokes. down to business because i WILL NOT stand for loose, stretched-out abs that leave me looking slightly pregs.
http://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/articles.asp?id=805

on a side note: did you ever have a protruding belly as a child? because i did. a rather large one, which leaves me to believe i'm more susceptible to it now. my theory is that little kids have underdeveloped ab muscles so their stomach's stick out more. so, back to my childhood look i go. not for long. i'm so over this look.

ps! this just gets worse with each kid. the reason: mom's don't get their abs back to where they need to be before baby #2. so then, they are beginning the whole process at an even worse abdominal state. by the time they're on 3 or 4 there's no hope. so the rich get a tummy tuck. but to the smart, frugal, and dedicated: WORK YOUR ABS, LADY'S!!! there's hope for us yet.

Joy goes to the barbershop!!

we spent the weekend at the lake. one morning, while guinn was doing the "burp, diaper change" routine, i decided to go out on the deck and enjoy my cup of coffee.

coming back inside to gather the troops for our morning stroll, i find guinn doing a little impromptu theatrics. absolutely hilarious, and i insisted he do it again for the camera!!

TAKE 1: consequences of a burping session cut short :)

TAKE 2: joy's "trip to the barber"

one more video. sorry for the sideways.

she's starting to smile and interact and it is SO MUCH FUN!!!

Ashley Brooke Andrews, we love you.

our cousin, ashley, went to heaven last week when her life was tragically taken by someone driving the wrong direction on the highway . she was only 27 years old and was such a sweet sweet blessing to our family.

the end of the eulogy (given by my cousin melissa below):

One of Ashley’s finest moments, of course, was being by Jody’s side during his battles with cancer. It is hard to imagine living through that time without her there as a rock. She was supportive, caring, steadfast and devoted to doing whatever it took, to get through that period of their lives and start a new chapter. She was a true blessing.

We are all so devastated by this loss, but we would all be better served to remember what the kids told us when we were discussing our sadness. They said, “Why is everyone so sad Mommy? Miss Ashley is in heaven with God.”

Followed by… “Mommy – I know we won’t be able to see Miss Ashley any more, but we can always visit with her. If you sit really quite and listen- the angels in heaven will speak to you. Didn’t you know that?”

Jody said it best last night – something good MUST come from this tragedy. If it is mending broken fences, counting our blessings, slowing down and taking time to appreciate our family and friends or just embrace life as it is, we should all be thankful for that which we are given.

We were all so blessed to have had Ashley as a part of our lives. She was a rare and special gift to us all. Let’s celebrate the time we had and remember her -with a smile on our face -and joy in our hearts! She will always be with us – just sit still, listen and know she is here.

Cheers and blessings to Ashley!!

it's official. announcing-- joy avery guinn.

look what ashley flood at a.flood of paper did!!! If you ever need an announcement, invitation, or stationary...she's your lady!
http://www.afloodofpaper.com/
http://www.afloodofpaper.blogspot.com/

i told her what i wanted and she granted my wish to perfection!!

thank you, ashley. for sharing your talents and creating the most perfect announcement for miss joy avery.

the eyes of joy are upon us

hey, it's me-- joybird. just wanted to let y'all know that i can see now!!

and everything is funny. the chair. the couch. piper. the side of my crib.

you name it, i love it.

ready to run

never in my life have i been

a. more ready to run and

b. this out of shape.

after about a 9 month hiatus from exercise i have finally been cleared to run!

i have been waiting for the opportunity to train "all-out" and accomplish my running goals. most of my running in the past has been done half-way because i was trying to start the fam.

so, praise the Lord...i have my baby joybird, and now a little bonus-- i can also have my running life...at least for one season.

so my goal: sub 3 hour marathon...either in december in dallas or in feb in austin. i set out on foot a few days ago and am realizing that the road ahead is going to be a long one. started back with an 11 minute mile pace. but, nothing thrills me more than a good challenge. i'm looking forward to pushing myself mentally and physically.

you would be surprised at what you can train your body to do. i try my hardest to get that message out. and i'll keep spreading the word.

if you are in the running world and care about training and such you can follow my running blog!
http://juleeguinn.fastrunningblog.com/
keep me accountable! i have been looking forward to this marathon season for quite some time but i now have this tiny little distraction named joy avery that i want to spend every waking moment with.