Protein Muffins

Two of my weaknesses: chocolate and muffins. Particularly COSTCO chocolate muffins. Every year around my birthday when my mom asks what kind of cake I want, I just say I'd be fine with a  flat of Costco muffins haha. This is not the popular choice. But they probably have about as many calories as a cake! I indulged a few times on these during my pregnancy, no regrets. But now, with summer around the corner and working on my post-baby body, I can't in good conscience stuff my face with these any more. 

Enter: PROTEIN CHOCOLATE MUFFINS. These bad boys are easy to make AND guilt free. My friend made these for me after having Grayson and John and I devoured them in no time. Since then, I've added a few ingredients to make them nursing friendly. 

Any recipe that involves throwing the ingredients into a bowl, mixing and baking is a win, I think. As a new mom, I really don't feel like dealing with any overly-complicated recipes. I would recommend, however, to take a little extra time to really mash up the bananas, and mix all of the ingredients really well. In my usual rushed way, I tend to throw everything in without mixing it enough, and then getting random banana or coconut oil chunk bites. Hope you guys enjoy these as much as I do!

2 ripe bananas

2 eggs

1 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup coco powder

2 scoops chocolate protein powder - I use this one 

1/3 cup honey (I use agave)

2 tbsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp baking powder

I add:

1/2 shredded zucchini

2 tbsp. coconut oil

2 tbsp. brewers yeast - I use this one

chocolate chips 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400*. Mix all ingredients together and bake for 12 minutes.  

Original recipe from throughthelens

My Maternity Fitness Routine

I've always been passionate about fitness and working out, and that is still true during pregnancy. I will admit, it has been more challenging than I thought for several reasons: exhaustion and lack of energy, feeling at a loss with routine and slightly nervous to overdo it, and body changes and hormonal shifts. It is easy to come up with excuses during this season, but there are many great reasons I've been doing my best to stay active during pregnancy: 

Boosts energy

Helps you sleep better

Improves self-image

Reduces stress and lifts mood

Reduces pregnancy discomforts

May lower risks of pregnancy-related complications

Prepares body for childbirth

Helps get body back quicker after birth

S H O P  M Y  L O O K 

Today I wanted to share my pregnancy fitness journey with you all, and also part of my routine. Hopefully some of you mamas-to-be can relate to this journey and find this helpful in some sort of way! 

I'd always heard you can maintain your workout routine when you become pregnant, just avoid beginning any sort of intense activity that your body isn't used to. For example, if you were previously a regular runner, it's ok to maintain that routine. You just shouldn't start training for a marathon when you find out you're expecting. Previously, I was on an about 5-day per week schedule, usually beginning with light cardio to warm up and alternating weight lifting days between upper body and lower body. 

 When I found out I was pregnant, I physically felt fine, but I felt that my body was creating something very fragile, and was nervous to workout at the intensity I had previously. As I got further along, I discovered that there were times I'd push myself and regret it in the evening when I wasn't feeling good. I think it's incredibly important to listen to your body and figure out where that "line" is for you. Because I'm on my feet during my work week, I cut back to working out on my days off. I've also lessened the weight while lifting, and increased my reps and cardio. Along with taking classes when I can at Barre3, I still like to hit the gym with my hubby. Here is an example of what my leg day looks like! You can save this workout to your phone or print it out and take it with to gym. 

Photography by Brianne Bell Photography 

S H O P  M Y  L O O K 

I am in no way a professional, and the workout I provided is an example of what I do in the gym. Everyone should get their doctors approval before working out and use discretion! I hope this post was helpful to other mama's and as always, please don't hesitate with questions or comments. Thank you to Onzie for sponsoring this post! Have a beautiful week, friends!

xo, Brooklyn 

34 Week Updates + My Maternity Closet

Phew, what a week! I've officially started the Christmas movie marathon, the fireplace on while I write, reflecting on the past week and all we have to be thankful for. John and I hosted his side of the fam for the first time and it was wonderful. We love opening up our home and hosting friends and family when we get the chance. Last night was spent with a few of my family members as we celebrated my cousin's 40th with a surprise birthday party, and today I got to celebrate baby with most of my closest girlfriends with an amazing brunch-shower! So much love, family and friends - that's what the holidays are about, right?! 

 
It's been a while since I've done an update on this pregnancy, and I wanted to share one ASAP because, well, baby boy is going to be here before we know it! From this point on, I am going to try and share more frequent updates. I realize I'm pretty lucky to feel it's flown by, I think because it's been a relatively comfortable and easy pregnancy! I think in some ways I am going to miss being pregnant! While I cannot wait to meet this little guy, I have to mentally prepare to share him with the world! 

 Due Date: January 3rd

How far along: 34 weeks + 2 days

Size of baby: About lbs! Size of a pineapple

Countdown: 5 weeks, 5 days

Total weight gain: 19 lbs

Sleep: Pretty good! Minus waking up to pee

Miss anything: Intense workouts, lunch meat

Movement: Oh yes - mostly hiccups and stretches. He's running out of room!

Food cravings: All the carbs haha 

Anything make you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet: Oh yes

Gender: BOY

Belly button in or out: Out! I didn't think that was possible! haha

Wedding rings on or off: On

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy! 

Looking forward to: Seeing what he looks like!

 photography by Brianne Bell Photography

I've been getting quite a few questions about where I like to buy my maternity clothes! I am still mostly wearing my regular non-maternity items, but below I've linked my favorite maternity places to shop as well as some basics I've purchased to get me through the fall and winter! 

WHERE I SHOP MATERNITY:

ASOS

BOOHOO

OLD NAVY

TARGET

MOTHERHOOD

Linked below are my favorite maternity basics! These have become staples in my closet and I layer them with my favorite non-maternity jackets, sweaters, etc! The places linked above and below are having major sales for Black Friday so now is the time to stock up! 

I hope you all enjoyed this post and had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones!

xo, Brooklyn 

39 Week Update

SHOP MY LOOK

Due Date: January 3rd

How far along: 39 weeks, 4 days

Size of baby: A small pumpkin

Total weight gain: 22 lbs

Sleep: Not great, hard to get comfortable! 

Miss anything: Being comfortable haha

Movement: Consistent stretches

Food cravings: NO appetite 

Anything make you queasy or sick: Nope!

Gender: BOY

Belly button in or out: Out! I didn't think that was possible! haha

Wedding rings on or off: On

Stretch Marks: Nope! 

Looking forward to: Him being here already! 

 Photography by Brianne Bell

S H O P  M Y  L O O K

 A while back I shared that I wanted to make it a goal to be more transparent and honest on this blog, and I think this post is a great opportunity to do so! I'd like to start by saying that my intention is to not come across as complaining, but just say it like it is because if you're already a mama I'm sure you can relate, or if you're at some point to be a mama and are like me, you'd want to know everything! 

I have had such a blessed pregnancy - really no complaints and can honestly say I've enjoyed it and there are things about it I really think I'll miss! As much as I'm trying to savor these last few days (hopefully NOT weeks) of not sharing my little man with anyone and focusing on how precious this time is, I'm ready for him to be out haha. I've always heard the end is uncomfortable, but I obviously didn't know what that really meant, and I'm not sure you can until you experience it first hand. 

Up until Christmas Eve I had been feeling great, still plenty of energy, going to the gym, etc. After that I felt like I really took a turn and everything ached. The best way I can describe it is feeling like you have the flu, but without most of the symptoms like fever, vomiting, etc. I was worried something was wrong because I had been feeling so great, but it's probably just part of reaching full-term pregnancy! I kind of laugh to myself as I'm sitting there attempting to get comfortable with all the pillows, heated rice bag and tea, having my hubby pull me up off the couch to waddle slowly to the bathroom every 20 minutes thinking, "sick, old or pregnant" haha. 

I think being uncomfortable towards the end gives you that "let's just do this" attitude and really helps with the fear and anxiety of labor! There's something quite amazing about how our bodies adjust and instead of being totally comfortable and fine with that baby cooking forever, you transition to feeling so ready to climb that mountain and meet your little bundle! 

xo,

Brooklyn