3 month check in, how baby and mommy are doing

Well it's been almost 3 months, Nora and I are doing great and have now settled into our very own routine.  wake up, eat, play, sleep repeat...
Now that I have learned the art of multitasking I have began to think about ways to incorporate Nora into not only my yoga practice but my yoga business.
I have come up with the idea of Mamaste classes: Mamaste classes are yoga classes for mommies and their little ones. Basically its a great way for Moms to get out, meet other moms and spend quality time with their baby. Visit Yo2gostudio.com for more information on class times and events

Me Time

Now that I'm more settled with my Mommy duties and routine, I finally have some time to focus on myself and other hobbies I enjoyed before Miss Nora came along.  I wanted to Blog about decorating, one of my favorite hobbies has to be decorating and re decorating my home.  My friends and family can vouch for me,  every time they come visit my furniture has been rearranged or something has changed with the decor of my home.  I give my mom full credit for this trait, she was always adding fabulous pieces to our home and tearing our pictures from magazines for inspiration.  One of my favorite projects has been decorating my daughter Nora's room, its given me a reason to pull out my old American Girl dolls and be as girly as I want to be. Here are a few photo's

 Mobile Scrap Book  I made this from acrylic bulbs, and filled them with special items such as Nora's hospital bracelets, ultrasound picture, and sand from the beach she visited while in my tummy.

 Daddy Project, here Matt and my Dad taped off a mod square grid and painted it purple and grey. 

 Framed Art, I framed the invitation to my shower and displayed it above her changing table.  The art was done my the talented Jamie Mick.

T  









                                  Nora's Room

New Mom Report Card

Happy 2012, my oh my how my year has changed.
My sweet girl is now 5 weeks old, so I thought I would give myself a little report card on my performance.  As a new mom alot of what I do is trial and error so I wanted to share with you what has worked, what has FAILED and what got me an A for effort.

Our first Cold: Nora got a pesky cold right before the holidays, as a neurotic new mom I immediately called the Pediatrician. After checking her out they suggested a few non medical treatments, I also did some research on a more natural way to help get her through this cold.  What has worked for us:
1. Sleeping with a cool-mist humidifier (night time sleep as well as napping)
2. While my husband or I are in the shower we close the vents and steam up the room, we bring Nora into the steaming room and hang out for a few min.  We immediately noticed a difference in her congestion after her steam room experience.
3. The Bulb Syringe is our Friend, sucking goop from her nose on the hour every hour. 
4. Sleeping on an incline, we propped up her mattress with a blanket to create an incline to increase nasal drainage.
With these techniques her cold is on its way out.  I give myself an A for this one!!!

Night time Sleep: To help Nora establish a "better" sleep schedule we created a routine.  After a short feeding around 8:30 pm we start our night time routine.  Starting out; warm shower with mom, we did not have good luck with the sink bath tub (F for fail) so one night I put her in the shower with me, she literally fell asleep in my arms from relaxation. (A+ !!!!) We now shower for a short time every night; this also helps with her congestion (extra credit!).  After the shower we lotion with aveeno Lavender scent, put on warm P.J, and then feeding to top off her appetite.  To end the routine Daddy and Nora rock or dance to a few soft tunes on the Ipod. (A++for cuteness).  Knock on wood; we have got 5-6 hours of sleep every night this week!!!

Giving up Caffeine: Over the holiday I over did it on the caffeine intake (C- oops), by the end of the holiday weekend, Nora had a diaper rash and was going much more often the usual.  I eliminated caffeine from my diet and wa laaa problem solved.  If your little on is having this issue take a look at your diet (if breast feeding) try eliminating items to see if the problem clears up on its own.  Non Medical Cure, always and A+.

Overall I have to give myself an A+ for effort and Love

First Sun Salutation since baby

I just wanted to drop a quick note and share with you that today I did my first Sun Salutation since the birth of Baby Nora
Although its rainy out side, I woke with more energy then usual, so I decided to practice some yoga while Nora sat in her swing. I started with a modified Sun Salutation then ventured into a few side stretches.  Body felt great and my mind needed something new to focus on even if it was only 5 min. Gotta start somewhere

Stationery card

Modern Script Girl Birth Announcement

Birth announcements & graduation announcements by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Hello World

Drum Roll..... We would like to announce the arrival of our sweet girl ,
Eleanor Paige Dial , Nora was born November 25th 2011
8:01pm 6.10oz  19" long.

One of the main reason I began this blog was not only to document my pregnancy and to help fellow mama's, but I wanted to test Yoga.  Could continuing my yoga practice during my entire pregnancy make for a more "enjoyable" "tolerable" "not as painful" labor?
My experience would beYES!!!!!
My yoga breath and relaxation techniques helped me glide through contraction after contraction.  Don't get me wrong there was pain but it never got to my head, I stayed focused and knew that my body was strong and able. Thanks to my wonderful husband coaching me I maintained my deep inhalations/exhalation and succeed.  Once my active labor began and pushing was near I was calm and confident I could do this, "not that I had much choice".  After a few cycles of breath, I had a wonderful gift resting on my chest, Nora and I locked eyes and my heart grew to a size I never knew was possible.

My final thoughts on Yoga and Pregnancy.  Yoga helped me both mentally and physically ENJOY my entire pregnancy, sure there were some uncomfortable times but my body went with the flow and I truly believe my yoga practice kept me in shape and allowed this experience to be unlike anything I have experienced. I would encourage expectant mama's to find an activity they enjoy and continue it through their entire pregnancy, modifying as needed.  It doesnt have to be yoga, but for me Yoga gave me the experience I wanted.

Please continue to follow my blog sans the Buddah Belly as I journey back to my yoga practice with a new appreciate and gratitude for life and my new respect for women's bodies.

namaste, Ali and Nora

Week 37

We are now at week 37 and my Yoga Practice has actually been re energized!  Now that I am at the point where the end is in sight and she is "cooked" my yoga practice has been given a new energy.  Although I am not teaching nearly as much I still attend classes at least twice a week.  I practice safely and focus on postures that help open my hips, calm my breath and maintain my upper body strength.  Here is one of my favorite sequence's
1. Cat Pose
2. Low Lunge
3 Pyramid Pose
4 Extended Triangle
5. Dolphin Pose
Take a look Here! or Build your own sequence that feels good to you

Week 30

Hello, I know I have been absent for a few weeks and I apologize. I hope to be better at my weekly/bi weekly post's.
The past few weeks I keep hearing complaints about "Swollen Ankles" even from my Non. Pregnant Students.  I always go back to an oldie but a goodie for relief.... Legs up the Wall
Type of Pose: Restorative, mild inversion

Benefits: Achieves many of the benefits of inversions in a supported, gentle pose.

A passive inversion - great for swollen ankles and varicose veins (bonus!)

 
Instructions:
1. Sit next to a wall with the side of your body on the wall and your knees bent into the chest.
2. Bring the lower back onto the floor while bringing the legs up the wall. Keep the upper body supported with the elbows on the floor.
3. Slowly release the elbows and lower the whole back down to the floor.
4. If you are comfortable, stay here several minutes.
5. To come out, bring the knees into your chest and roll to your side.

As far as my progress, everything is right on track.  We just had a 29 week ultra sound and she looked healthy and happy. The pic's were not a cute, she's quickly running out of room so her cheeks and face look squished. (only a mother could love these pic's)  She is starting to move into position and I'm feeling GREAT. 

Week 25

Baby Yoga
I know it's a little early to start thinking about the toddler years but I figure it cant hurt to arm myself with a few tools to cope with bed time......Zzz

During my recent BabyMoon to Naples, FL I visited one of my favorite local yoga studio's Bala Vinyasa.  While on vacation I signed up for a 1 day prenatal yoga workshop.  During the workshop we talked alot about breath and ways to relieve hip and lower back pain. What stuck with me most was a book the instructor passes around before class,  called "Itsy Bitsy Yoga" by Helen Garabedian.  What could be more fun then seeing your little one in "happy baby" or giggling in "cat & cow"?

"Yoga before bedtime for your toddler gives them a tool to self-soothe. It's a way of letting their bodies slow down at a natural Pace" Laurie Jordan, "The ABC of zzz" Yoga Journal September 2011

Check out this fun and educational book for your little one.

http://www.itsybitsyyoga.com/

Week 22

Here is the latest picture of our little girl. Week 20-22 marked a few big milestones for my pregnancy.

1. July 5th I finally felt her move.  3 little kicks in a row, now she puts on her dancing shoe around 8:00pm every night. 

2. Babies room is now painted and ready to be furnished.  You can expect my next couple of post's to be all about baby decor.  Nesting has Started!

3. My yoga practice has officially taken on a Pre-Natal title. During the 21st week lying on my back has become uncomfortable and I avoid it if I can, also moving at a slower pace has benefited me.  I enjoy each pose and am not worried about plowing through to the next asana.  "Where you are is where you are supposed to be"

Week 21

Butter Up your Belly

I wanted to share with you a great product , Dream Cream by LUSH.

This Body Creme is ideal for your growing Belly, I slather it on after the shower to help prevent the dreaded S  T  R  E  T  C  H   M  A  R  K  S.

Dream Cream is LUSH's best-selling product because it makes sore, stretched skin feel good again. Chamomile and lavender calm irritations, reduce redness and banish blotches. It contains everything nature makes for soothing your skin.

Click Here to Visit LUSH

Week 20

It feels so Good to be Back, as you may have noticed I have been absent from my Blog Post's for a few weeks.  I have been on my summer vacation (Yes I squeezed myself into a bikini and loved it!!)  However after all this traveling my Hips are becoming a little tight and my lower body is getting fatigued much quicker. 
Take a look at these hip openers that have been a real help to my expanding hips, and fatigued lower body.  Try these postures after a modified sun salutation to experience the real benefits!!

Journey of a Buddha Belly: Week 17

Journey of a Buddha Belly: Week 17: "This week my Yoga Practice has consisted of mainly hip and chest openers. As my chest and belly becomes larger, I needed a pose that would ..."

Week 17

This week my Yoga Practice has consisted of mainly hip and chest openers.  As my chest and belly becomes larger, I needed a pose that would help counteract all of that forward flexion and extra pressure in my chest and lower back.  I have found the perfect pose for me, take a look and give it a try.

Stretches Chest, Neck and Spine                                                                                Opens hips

Week 16

Week 16 had come and gone so quickly.  I have been feeling great and maintained my energy through our weekend travels. 
Each night I read from my heaping mound of parenting book's, taking notes, blurting out weird facts to my husband like, "she has fingernails now, or she can urinate now."  I suddenly had a light bulb moment, "where are his mounds of parenting books? " I realized my husband has no resources to keep him up, make him wonder " is this normal", " am I eating the right?" or "oh NO I just ate FISH"  the list goes ON and ON. 

With Fathers Day right around the corner I pick up a copy of The Expectant Father by Armin A Brott and Jennifer Ash.  He LOVED it, now we are sitting on the couch and he's quizzing me, " Did you know that eating protein can increase brain development?" "What's a Doula?"  Don't forget your expectant Daddy's this weekend!!
To my wonderful Husband, I love you Matt
Click her to Purchase: The Expectant Father

Week 15

                                     It's a Girl!
Our recent Dr's visit revealed to us that we are expecting a baby girl.

Many thoughts went through my head the moment we found out that we were having a girl.
1) Excitement turned to worry
2) Teenage Hormones (will she hate me?)
3) BOYS (car dates..Daddy's worst nightmare)
4) How to raise a confident, polite, and intelligent female

This post, instead of giving advice I'm asking for advice.  What advice can you give us on raising a baby girl into a beautiful women?

Week 14

As week 14 comes to a close I have to say this week has been pretty uneventful as far as pregnancy complaints and or concerns.....

This week I have started to check out maternity wear and am finding myself a little disappointed here in Lex.  So I extended my search online and found a website that I absolutely love!! This site allows me to keep my pre-prego style without looking like im in my PJ's or a Moo Moo..

Isabella Oliver Maternity Wear

Week 13

We are closing out week 13 this Friday and I cannot believe the boost in my energy levels.  This weekend has been one of the best week as far a feeling a little more like myself.
After a massive Cleaning Spree my dog's are a little scared of me but my house is absolutely spotless, thanks to me putting my foot down and keeping my two 90lbs Lab's out of the main living and bedroom area (sorry Nash and Daisy)....

I wanted to share with you my cleaning tip this week.  Harsh Chemicals are found in almost every household cleaning product, so I chose to make my own household cleaner and used it for literally everything in my house from the baseboards to the furniture.
I mixed 1 gallon of warm water  $ free
            3 tbsp Dr. Bronner Pure-Castile Lavender liquid soap approx $13-$15 for 32oz
            2 tbsp white vinegar $ Cheap
You can find Dr Bronners soaps at Whole Foods and Good Foods Co-op
Dr Bronner Website Click here

Coming up: 15 week 3-d Ultra Sound!!!!!

Week 12

 What has my first Trimester taught me.....?
Although I cannot complain too much, my first trimester was full of adjustments and realizations for me.  I have learned to look for simple pleasures throughout my day.  I would like to share with you a few simple finds that have made my first trimester enjoyable.

1. I love coffee, however caffeine is frowned upon. I found a little jem of a coffee shop who makes Iced Decaf Coffee!!! Third Street Cafe located on the corner of N. Limestone and 3rd St. Ask for Hendrix

2. Reclining Queen's Pose. A restorative pose for relaxing and regaining energy. My Fav after a long day on my feet of a lengthey car ride to see my inlaws.

3. Good Foods Co-op! My appetite has been coming and going these past few weeks.  What I love about  Good Foods Co-Op is the variety of healthy items they offer.  You can pile on the veggie's and fruit or sometimes my plate can be full of brussel sprouts and cantaloupe????....(prego craving) You can pick and choose what items your body needs and feel good about what you are putting in it!

Week 11

This weeks doctors vist went well, we got a chance to hear the baby's heart beat from outside the belly it was a reall treat! 160 HB

Feeling a little irregular.... Try this yoga pose to help ease digestive discomfort.
Spinal Twisting while expecting should be done softly and with our strain.
Option 1. Lying on your back, bend your knee and put feet flat on floor.  Begin to move the knees back and forth like windshield wipers. Repeat 4x, carefully sit up and repeat if necessary.
Its important when spinal twisting to move to the RIGHT first, this follows the flow of our colen. Lowering the knee's to the floor should be done by experienced Yogi's