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. 

Car Seat Installation

Just 7 weeks to go, the car seat is installed and we are one step closer to welcoming our little one into the world. 

I visited http://www.nhtsa.gov/apps/cps/index.htm a couple of weeks ago to find a car seat installation and inspection site nearby. I made an appointment at the Presby location for this past Saturday morning. The site is located in parking lot 1, in front of the Margot Perot Center, just off of Walnut Hill. Car seat installation and inspection takes place here the first Saturday of every month by appointment only. 

I highly recommend taking advantage of this complimentary service. Not only do the inspectors make installation an easy process, but they’re also available to explain step-by-step instructions and answer any questions. Additionally, I learned several interesting and helpful tips including: 

• The safest location for the car seat is actually in the middle seat in the back, while either side is also safe, the middle seat offers the most protection in the event of a side-impact collision. 

• Guidelines now recommend that children sit in rear facing car seats until the age of 2 years.

• Car seats expire 6 years from date of purchase. 

• Those cute toys that you often see hanging from car seats, or those mirrors designed to enable mom or dad to see baby while driving, are actually considered safety risks/projectiles as they are not crash tested and could shatter and injure your baby in the event of an accident. 

Resource of the Week: http://www.fitpregnancy.com

• Great for pre- and post-natal tips, including healthy recipes, workout recommendations, and prepping for, and welcoming home, baby! 

Meet Pure Barre Dallas Mommy, Allison Baker!

Meet Pure Barre Dallas Mommy, Allison Baker. 36 weeks pregnant, she is due August 21st with her first child, a baby girl, to be named Charlotte Claire Baker. She will go by Claire. 

I instantly fell in love with Pure Barre when I started taking classes a year and a half ago.  I had always been the type to do the typical work outs in the gym but I would get bored easily.  One of my good friends introduced me to Pure Barre, and I have loved every minute of it.  I am now 36 weeks pregnant and have been taking Pure Barre classes all throughout my pregnancy.  It has tremendously helped keep my muscles strong and flexible during this time, not to mention improve my mental outlook with all those pregnancy hormones:)  I always leave the classes feeling so refreshed, confident, and happy.  It has also helped me sleep better at night as my hips and legs tend to get very achy as I’m moving toward the end of my pregnancy.  I have really enjoyed and embraced every moment of pregnancy and it is such an amazing feeling to know you are carrying a precious life inside of you.  As I’ve been on this journey, here are just a few things I’ve learned along the way:

1. Start reading books on sleeping, feeding, newborn care, etc while pregnant rather than waiting until the baby arrives.  A friend of mine who had recently had a baby reminded me of that and I have been very thankful as I feel more prepared (well as much as possible:)) 
2. Do not register for clothes or diapers- people will give them to you regardless.  Other items I now find myself having about 2o of are blankets, hooded towels, stuffed animals, and swaddling sets.  
3. When buying clothes, you have to remember the season you are buying for and the age.  And you will receive outfits from people that would be perfect for the summer except your baby won’t fit into that outfit until the winter.  
4. Treat yourself to massages or spa days- especially near the end when walking seems like a chore and you can’t bend over to paint your toe nails.  
5. One of my baby showers consisted of everyone bringing children’s books by the author they were assigned to.  We are so thankful to have so many books now to read to Claire once she arrives.  
6. Give in to cravings with moderation- I didn’t always succeed in this area (especially when my husband brought home double stuffed Oreos) but thank goodness for Pure Barre.  
7. Favorite Baby Items we’ve received so far:  Sophie the Giraffe, Aden and Anais swaddling blankets, Pottery Barn crib sheets, halo sleep sacks, and Mustela baby products.  Now we just have to hope Claire loves them too:)  

I can’t wait to continue Pure Barre classes after my pregnancy, and I am so thankful for all the support I’ve received from everyone at Pure Barre Dallas:)