Meet Shepard Luther Jennings

Born Tuesday, September 24th at 8:43pm, Shep weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces and measured 19 3/4 inches long. Now 8 weeks old, Shep continues to grow and has both mommy and daddy wrapped around his finger. Mommy-hood is exhausting, but wonderful, and I could not be more thankful. I am also happy to say that 6 weeks post-delivery I was back at the barre teaching and taking classes. I credit Pure Barre for helping me stay healthy throughout pregnancy and am already seeing results as I work to bounce back post-baby. 

What I've learned so far: 

• The first 4-6 weeks pass by in a complete blur! People will tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps. This was impossible for me. I was utterly exhausted during this time. People complain about pregnancy fatigue, but just wait until you have a newborn! It's easy to feel overwhelmed during these first few weeks, but it does get easier as you both begin to settle into a routine. 
• Other new mommy friends are the best! 
• We could not live without Dr. Brown's bottles, our Aden & Anais swaddle blankets, boppy pillow, and the Wubbanub pacifier. 
• Carve out time for yourself and for your spouse. 
• Breastfeeding is much harder and more time-consuming than I expected. 
• We prefer Huggies to Pampers (Shep is already in size 2 diapers!) and love Kickee Pants baby clothes. 
• I could not have asked for a more supportive or loving husband. Shep is lucky to have Luke as his dad! 
• You will fall completely head-over-heels in love with your little one and the sleepless nights will be well worth it!

6 days until d-day!

Just 6 days away from my due date, Luke and I made an unexpected trip to the hospital last night. After a fairly uneventful pregnancy, I noticed some sudden, significant swelling in my feet. My doctor suggested that I go ahead and come in just to be safe. Two hours of monitoring later, they sent me back home with orders to start slowing things down. While I am experiencing contractions, they are irregular, and the swelling is likely due to fluid retention and the Texas heat. Baby Boy Jennings is perfectly fine and appears to be quite content exactly where he is. Here’s to hoping he decides to get a move-on sooner, rather than later. Stay tuned! 

Loved teaching my last Pure Barre class before baby! 

38 Weeks & Still at the Barre!

The countdown is officially on! We are just less than 2 weeks away from Baby Boy Jennings’ due date. Here’s to hoping he makes an early, or on-time, arrival! 

Symptoms This Week: Swollen hands and feet, flip flops are all I’m wearing these days. Tingling and pain in my hands, who knew that pregnant women often suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome? I’m having difficulty sleeping and am certainly over the Texas heat, but know that it will all be well worth it as soon as we see his sweet little face. 

What the Doctor is Saying: Not much. While Baby Boy Jennings is in position, he doesn't appear ready to make his appearance just yet. 

The Tables Are Beginning to Turn: For the majority of my pregnancy, I felt as if I was constantly reaching out to other new moms asking for advice and guidance on anything from registering, pediatricians, schools, and symptoms, but recently I've had the privilege of returning the favor to other expecting moms. 

What I’ve Learned About Exercising: It’s a must! No matter how tired you feel, exercising will absolutely make you feel better, even if just marginally. It will also help with flexibility, strength, and weight gain. From what I’ve heard from other new-moms it also helps with endurance during, and post, delivery. Fairly early on in my pregnancy, I read that pre-natal exercise should focus on maintenance and not gain. In other words, you are not going to become thinner or suddenly able to push yourself to a new level. To the contrary, you will gain weight and be forced to adopt certain modifications. Looking back on these past 9 months I am increasingly thankful for Pure Barre. It has helped me maintain a healthy and balanced pregnancy and has made exercise easy and fun. I have loved being able to share my pregnancy journey with our Pure Barre clients, family, and friends and am constantly inspired by other Pure Barre Dallas mommies and mommies-to-be. Fingers crossed, I have been lucky enough to continue teaching and taking classes throughout my pregnancy and hope to be back at the barre as quickly as possibly post-baby. 

Here's a look back at weeks 25, 30, & 36...

Meet Pure Barre Dallas Mommy To Be (and Barretender) Ashley Epstein!

21 weeks pregnant & glowing, meet Pure Barre Dallas Mommy To Be (and Barretender) Ashley Epstein! 

Hi my fellow Pure Barre enthusiasts!!  I am so thrilled to be sharing a bit of my “First Baby Journey” with you all!  Some of you know me as one of the girls who sits at the check-in desk and most of you know me as, Ashley.  I love being a part of the Pure Barre family and if it weren’t for my full time job as an RN, I would be up there everyday!  Pure Barre has most definitely changed my focus and my self-confidence.  It is the first workout experience I have had that incorporated realistic goals for my overall fitness and a strong mind-body connection.  Now that I am on my way to becoming a mom of a little GIRL (!!!), I am so thankful to share this influence and example in her little life.  

So, yes, my husband, Chris, and I are expecting our little girl to arrive around January 13^th 2014.  I am in the middle of my 21^st week of pregnancy (about 5 months) and have experienced my body changing in ways I had heard and read about, but I had really no idea.  A small list of those changes is as follows: weight gain, appetite changes, nausea, weight gain, spreading of the hips, veiny boobs, weight gain, extreme fatigue, peeing every 15 minutes, forgetfulness, turrets-like outbursts, weight gain, and a belly button that has become the size of a crater.  It’s been awesome.  (wink-wink)

It is quite an adjustment to suddenly have to think of yourself as a two-person being.  I mean let’s be honest; I had lived 30 years of my life eating, drinking, and getting involved in anything I wanted without hesitation.  Now – realizing that everything I do could have an effect on this innocent life was a big “Holy S*#%” moment. (I have decided I should start finding creative ways to express myself so as not to teach Little One un-ladylike behavior – spelling words out and unknown hand gestures are becoming two of my favorites).  

Anyway, what I have gathered in wisdom from other moms and soon-to-be moms is that this is not only totally normal, but also just the beginning!  I have experienced a shift in my brain’s ability to make decisions based solely on my own person.  I worry about her, I talk to her, I sing to her, I work out with her experience of my movements in mind, and the list goes on and on.  No wonder women are so amazing!  I have started multitasking my brain’s natural processes without even the blink of an eye!  (We are geniuses and it took a baby for me to finally get it!) 

I have learned to listen to my body, trust in those I love to support me, and have grace with myself as I adjust. I still have so much to learn and experience, so many adventures ahead of me that are unique to motherhood and it is all terrifyingly fantastic, however, I must remember how far I’ve come already. So, my point is this: Regardless of where you may be in your life and the titles you have earned thus far, ‘Woman’ may be the greatest of them all. 

Hello 36 Weeks!

36 Weeks: It’s hard to believe that we are just 4 weeks away from Baby Boy Jennings’ due date! I am beginning to feel Braxton-Hicks contractions and my hands and feet are swollen (the 100 degree temps that insist on continuing through the end of the month certainly don't help), but I am thankful for flip flops, watermelon, and ice cream which make everything more bearable. I am also thankful to have been able to share my journey thus far with all of our Pure Barre family & friends. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and excitement. Cheers to 36-weeks, the ninth month, and officially being full-term. Let the countdown begin! 

Highlight of the Week: Pregnant Pure Barre clients continue to be a source of inspiration and support. What better way to show them my appreciation, and also build a community within our studio of new and expectant mothers, than by teaching a pre- and post-natal Pure Barre class? Thank you to all of the clients, and also to Allison Stitsworth, C.N.M., who joined me bright and early last Sunday morning. 

Where to Shop This Month: While my pre-pregnancy workout pants still fit (although a little more tightly each week) I didn't really want to invest in more expensive workout tops that likely won't work post-baby. Gap Maternity has some cute maternity workout tops at more reasonable prices and even better sales. Baby Gap is also wonderful for cute, casual baby wear at more affordable prices. The Gap at Northpark carries both lines so you can actually try on as opposed to just ordering off of the website. 

Be Prepared For: For whatever reason, most people seem to love pregnant women and dogs. As Luke says, we have both. When walking our two pups, I am often greeted by complete strangers who excitedly comment on my growing belly and how the dogs must feel in anticipation of the new baby's arrival. Embrace others' enthusiasm. Recognize that for the most part, people mean well. Try to ignore those who don't. Learn to laugh at the more ridiculous comments. My favorites so far? "You are HUGE!" "You must be ready to pop!" and "How much weight have you gained? I'm 33 weeks and have only gained 9 pounds. You must be due tomorrow" Yikes! 

Remember: Every woman, every pregnancy, and every baby are different. You are supposed to gain weight and your body is supposed to change. How else could you grow a baby? It's only 9 months. Relax, indulge (in moderation), and embrace it! The Pure Barre Baby Bounce Back Package is available when you're ready to get that Pure Barre body back. :) 

Maternity Photo Shoot, Pre-Natal Classes, Pregnancy Must-Haves, Win A Free Pure Barre Class, & More!

Hello 35 Weeks!

Maternity Photo Shoot: Yes, please! Thank you to Lauren Ashley Photography for capturing my pregnancy at week 33. Visit her blog to see more of the images from our session: http://www.laurenashleyphotos.com/?p=688

Pre-Natal Classes Worth Taking: 

• Prepared Childbirth - Fast Track (including a tour of the maternity ward): By far the most valuable class we took, this all-day Saturday class taught us the essentials of labor and delivery. 

• Basics of Baby Care: This two-hour evening class provided helpful tips on swaddling, bathing, and bringing home baby. 

• Breastfeeding: I opted not to take this class (although I have heard wonderful things) and am instead waiting to meet with lactation consultants at the hospital and pediatrician’s office after delivery when instruction will be more relevant. 

• Infant and Child CPR: Instead of a more traditional group course, Luke and I met with a Basic Life Support Certification Specialist at Children’s Medical Center for an introductory lesson on the basics of infant and child CPR. 

What I’m Reading Now: Baby 411, written by pediatrician Ari Brown, M.D. and parenting expert Denise Fields, provides expert advice on sleep patterns, first aid, soothing a colicky baby, vaccinations and more. This is an easy and practical guide for any new parent. Chapter 1 is best read before your baby arrives.

Pregnancy Must-Haves: 

• Preggle Comfort Air-Flow Body Pillow 
• Maternity Jeans
• Michael Stars’ Maternity Tees 
• Nursing bras & Hanky Panky Original Rise Thongs 
• Belli Elasticity Belly Oil 

Pregnancy Life-Savers: 

• Eat breakfast
• Pack snacks (string cheese, sliced apples, raisins, and bananas are some of my favorites) 
• Smartwater & Gatorade G2 
• Nap (even 20-30 minutes will work wonders) 
• Frosted Flakes, Honey Nut Cheerios, Raisin Bran, and Rice Krispies

Embrace Being Pregnant: Even when your belly grazes the Pure Barre studio floor during pushups.

Answer the following questions about Baby Boy Jennings. First place, the person with the most correct answers, will receive a free Pure Barre class and second place a 5-pack of Emi-Jay hair ties: 

• How much will Baby Boy Jennings weigh? 
• How long will he be? 
• What color hair will he have? 
• What color eyes? 
• Baby Boy Jennings is due September 25th. He will arrive ______ days early, _____ days late, or right on-time. 

*Post your answers in the form of a response below or under the blog link on the Pure Barre Dallas Facebook Page*

Choosing a Pediatrician

Choosing a pediatrician proved to be a little more challenging than I originally anticipated. If only my OBGYN, Dr. Rachel Kurian of Women’s Health Alliance (client Allison Stitsworth, C.N.M. is a certified nurse-midwife at the same practice) or our veterinarian, Dr. Ronald Vaughn, could be our pediatrician, my decision would have been so much easier!

At my first prenatal appointment my OBGYN gave us a list of referrals. I started interviewing pediatricians, in the following order, several weeks ago. 

• Baylor Pediatric Center 
• Pediatric Associates of Dallas (PAD) 
• Clinical Pediatric Associates 
• Woodhill Pediatric Associates 
• Pediatricians of Dallas (POD) 

All of the practices offer complimentary prenatal interviews during lunchtime. All but one (Baylor Pediatric Center is located on Park Lane) are located off of Walnut Hill. All offer Saturday hours, one offers evening hours, and one even offers Sunday hours. All, except for Woodhill Pediatric Associates, are group practices, and separate sick child, well child, and newborn waiting rooms are available at all five offices. 

Initially, I began by asking many of the questions on the following pediatrician interview sheet: http://www.babycenter.com/0_pediatrician-family-doctor-interview-sheet_1452019.bc

Most importantly, I wanted to know about hospital affiliation (I was hoping for a pediatrician that has privileges at Baylor since that’s where we’re delivering), coverage after-hours, suggested parenting and sleep training methods, and views on immunizations, circumcision, and breastfeeding. After several visits, however, I realized that many of my most important criteria could not be answered this way. 

Ultimately, my decision came down to a gut feeling, as well as similarity in views on child rearing, eagerness to walk us through, as first-time parents, each developmental stage, best fit personality wise, and how I felt about the office environment. 

All five of the offices I visited are staffed with exceptionally well-qualified pediatricians with many years of experience. Everyone was incredibly helpful and eager to answer any, and all, of my questions. And given that four of the five offices are located in the same medical complex, the office environments had a fairly similar feel. In addition, there was something unique about each practice that was inviting. 

The pediatrician I interviewed at Baylor Pediatric Center is very well-educated and has over 20 years of experience. I also appreciated the affiliation with the Baylor Health Care System since both my OBGYN and Dermatologist practice at Baylor. 

The pediatrician I interviewed at PAD is young, energetic, and comes highly recommended from a friend and fellow Pure Barre client. PAD has privileges at Baylor and also offers weekday evening hours, which is helpful if you are a working mom. 

The office environment at Clinical Pediatric Associates is relaxing, the practice offers Sunday hours, and the pediatrician I interviewed there also has years of experience. Additionally, he drew my attention to potential complications I should be aware of immediately following delivery such as feeding difficulties, jaundice, and low APGAR scores. 

The staff at Woodhill Pediatrics is warm and welcoming. Dr. Larry Gray, the sole practitioner, has years of experience and his friendly, but calm demeanor, immediately put me at ease. It was clear that this practice respects the parent-doctor relationship and aims to work with the parent as the child grows and develops. 

That said, there was something about my visit to Pediatricians of Dallas that felt like it was exactly what I had been looking for. The office environment is incredibly calm, decorated with model boats, nautical artwork, and a large fish tank. There were magazines and books for the children to read and only one television, quietly playing “Toy Story.” I was immediately put at ease by Dr. Hillary Lewis’ warmth, eagerness to educate us as parents on her philosophy of practicing evidence based medicine, love for, and first hand knowledge of (as a new mom herself), children, as well as her general views on parenting, breastfeeding, sleep training, and making your own baby food. POD also has lactation consultants on staff available to help the breastfeeding mom. It’s icing on the cake that she, or another physician from the practice, will be available to visit us in the hospital post-delivery!

I know that I would have been in good hands with any of the pediatricians I interviewed. There is something to be said, however, for continuing to search for that right fit. I couldn’t have told you after the first four interviews exactly what I felt was missing, but after visiting POD, I knew right away that I wanted to place the health care of our child in the hands of this practice.