Way to Go, Chiro!

I love my chiropractor. 3 visits, and I am pain free! I seriously feel SOOOO much better. I went from not being able to walk, to moving around quite easily again! There is such a difference in my mood. The pain was really wearing me down, and now I feel like myself again. In addition, he told me to be as active as I can. Hmm....I told him that may not be the right thing to say to me, but he told me to do whatever I feel like and listen to my body. 2 days last week, I walked Nikko around the block. Today, 3 weeks after stopping, I woke up feeling completely normal (minus the big belly and 23 additional lbs in my stomach, so I ran 3 miles on the treadmill. I went at 6.0 speed (10 min miles). I stopped at 15 minutes, and again at 25 minutes, but I ran the whole thing relatively pain free. My hips are a little achy, but my back feels just fine. Hopefully, this wasn't a stupid move, but I guess only time will tell. I feel so much better about myself, so as of now, I don't regret it one bit. 3 miles at 37 weeks is an accomplishment! I am just going to play it by year, and not set any mileage goals, but just listen to the chiropractor and stay as active as I can in the last few weeks. For now, I am on cloud 9!!

No More Running

I have been dreading writing this post. I am officially done running until after I give birth. I made it to 34 weeks and 1 day. I ran 5 miles December 5th, and now I can't walk without pain (for the last 2 weeks). I am super bummed because I fully intended to run up to the day I give birth, but my body has other plans. I am currently limping around like an old lady. I went to the doctor this week, and he wasn't sympathetic at all. He told me it happens when you are pregnant, and will go away once I give birth. Yesterday, I went to a chiropractor, and he told me that it isn't sciatica pain. He said that is the commonly used term whenever pregnant women have lower back pain. Mine is only on the right side, down near my butt. He said it is most likely inflamed vertibrate. It is a painful condition, but not serious at all. He adjusted me and did some ART on the area, and said he should be able to get me better, but I won't be 100% until after I give birth. I really don't feel any better, but I have another appointment on Monday. I feel better being proactive rather than just sitting around in pain.

It took me this long to come to terms with this. I know I am lucky to have made it this long, but I can't help but feel disappointed. I keep thinking about the fitness I am losing, and the extra weight I am going to gain. Luckily, all my extra weight (23 lbs of it) is in my stomach. I'm really not as big as I thought I would get, but I have always been body conscious, and running helps me feel better about myself. Now, I am resigned to the couch! I work all day (which is exhausting and painful), then I come home and just lay on the couch until it is time to go to bed. I have been incredibly blessed with an easy pregnancy, so if this is the worst I have to put up with, I am lucky (at least that is what I keep telling myself).

On a positive note, the nursery is just about finished! I still need to organize the baby stuff, but I feel pretty good about our progress. I am still hoping the baby comes a little early....1/11/11 perhaps! I have 3 more days of work, then I am off til Jan 3rd. I am planning on installing the carseats, sterilizing all the bottles and pacifiers, and getting the clothes put away (I have been washing things here and there). Here are some pics of our nursery.