Racing with a baby on board - 12 weeks

To commence 2014, I had already signed up (before knowing about baby dananda) for the Charleston Half Marathon with 2 of my friends, Sandy and Rachel (who are by the way running their first marathon in March). Unfortunately due to an injury, Rachel had to take some time off from running and couldn't do the race, therefore, Dan stepped in to be "team Rachel". 

For those who know me, I am a huge advocate of wearing my Garmin watch for every training run and race that I do to know my pace and mileage. "Dr. Ferrell" prescribed that I should just wear my heart rate monitor instead of the Garmin to ensure that I keep my heart rate lower than normal since I am running for 2 now. 

There I was toeing the line 12 weeks pregnant, I was so happy to be there! Clearly Mother Nature not so much because she let the cold wind whisk so rapidly. I do have to say despite the cold windy weather, it was the most enjoyable race I have ever experienced just because I wasn't worried about time, pace, walking, or mileage. I even sent a few "snap chats" along the way haha. Here's the one thing that I thought about most while doing this race: when you're running a race pregnant, you better get used to people passing you. And they will, all sorts of people. Running pregnant is really about running your own race rather than "racing". 

The post race festivities included getting to celebrate (without beers ha) with Sandy, John and Dan as we cheered on some other friends ours that ran the full marathon! My cousin Makayla goes to Charleston Southern University and it was so refreshing to see her and her boyfriend Atley for lunch. Later that evening, Dan and I had a great dinner with Sandy and John, lots of shirley temples since no alcohol for me! 

12 weeks Day 4, almost through the first trimester! yay! Only 193 more days! 

11 weeks 6 days - Time 2:02:59

"Team Rachel" - Time 1:59:53

Pretty views along the race course. 

So happy for this girl getting at PR at the half! 

Dinner in downtown Charleston - Shirley Temples for me :) 

Lunch time with my cousin Makayla - love her!!! 

OMG, A BABY - Recap of the past few months

To commence this blog, I must give credit to Nicole and Rachel for coming up with the oh so clever name... "baby Dananda"! The trend may now begin ladies #babydananda :)

OMG, A BABY! Yes, that is right Dan and I are expecting a little bundle of joy on August 3, 2014. We found out right after our weekend getaway in Banner Elk (shortly after Thanksgiving). We only told a few people about the pregnancy because we wanted to wait until after my first doctor's appointment. I called and made the appointment the next day after taking the multiple (10) at home pregnancy tests, yes I called as soon as the office opened because I was so anxious, only for them to tell my that my appointment wasn't until January 3rd! Of course I asked a million questions about if it was normal for them to wait what seemed like an eternity to see me. They assured me that this was completely normal.

My first thought to this whole situation was, good thing I had a great racing year and got my marathon in! haha! 

Needless to say, I had to stay busy the month of December which was easy to do with the holidays approaching quickly. It was extremely hard to keep this big secret from friends and family. Here are a few memories captured before the big moment of truth... 
                                                    

Beech Mountain - November 2013

Jingle Bell 5K (5 Weeks) - December 2013, last 5K/race of the year. These ladies are absolutely amazing and could not ask for better friends and training partners! 















The whole gang at the Jingle Bell 5K - all the girls plus Dan placed in our age groups, great way to wrap up an awesome year! 

Nutcracker Ballet - December 2013, this girl right here is amazing! 

Christmas 2013 (8 Weeks)

New Year's Eve 2013 (9 weeks) - Daytona Beach, FL

On January 3, 2014, I had my first official appointment. Ok for those who know me when I get extremely nervous/upset (or drink cheap vodka or wine, ha) I break out into hives on my chest so on this day they were fully vibrant on my chest, needless to say I am so glad I wore a scarf that day! I had already printed the paper work offline (the day I made the appointment) and had it filled out when I arrived at the doctor's office, talk about being proactive. I patiently waited (hives out of control). They took me back did all the routine stuff (boring) and then it was time for the doctor to come in so I could hear the heartbeat. That is when it all became real to me that Dan and I were having a baby... there it was just beating away at 168! I was overwhelmed with joy that I was feeling with this blessing. Later that day we broke the news to our families and friends and they are so excited to start spoiling this baby! Also, I have (thankfully) not had any morning sickness, just certain foods (chicken tacos of all things) make me want to vomit. I have had lots of headaches but this is probably because I have been reducing the caffeine intake but other than that feeling pretty normal even though there is a little peanut growing inside of me. 

Today, January 9, 2014, I went in for another appointment and this one so exciting because we were going to have an ultrasound. From the moment I saw it on the screen, my eyes filled with tears thinking how much of a blessing this truly is and how excited I am to share this journey with my best friend! 

Debuting "Baby Dananda" 

Next Appointment - February 6th... stay tuned for upcoming adventures!