This week has been crazy, and unfortunately the schedule disruptions aren't done yet.

I've been slacking on exercise. Not a minute of formal exercise (despite daily plans to do so) since I came back from California. Now, to be fair, I have been playing a daily catchup game to try and get things back in smooth running order after being gone a week, and also constantly balancing my mind-numbing pregnancy fatigue with my need to get my blood pumping.

It's been a challenge.

The good news is that I am mostly caught up, and should have time during my kids' nap today to get on the bike.

The bad news is that the next two weeks full of appointments, church obligations, and lots of prepwork leading up to my NEXT California trip. And yes, I should still be contending with my daily energy drains that leave me dazed on the couch, mentally begging for a nap. Still, I am hoping to get in a solid three days a week of cycling, and work in 15 minutes of strength training on the other two days.

I will always have an excuse not to do it, some more legitimate than others. But the fact remains that I NEED to work out, for my health and fitness and for the baby, and so I must commit to it, make it a priority as much as food, sleep, or (lazy me!) internet time.

As for this crush of fatigue, while I know it is a common pregnancy symptom I am worried that it, coupled with dizziness and constantly freezing, may be indicative of anemia. I dealt with it during past pregnancies and will be speaking with my midwives about it this time, and sharing my concerns. It is amazing what a little iron supplement can do. However, iron is a metal and it still prone to accumulating in body tissues (same with copper and zinc, both important but easy to overdose on) and so I do not want to begin supplementing my iron without a blood panel showing a need for it. I could do a lot more harm than good with excess supplementation of something like that.

So anyway, I am still focusing on being 'on' with my eating (and with a few hiccups after dinner here and there, I am being largely successful with 1900 calories a day) and choosing protein sources first, then plants, THEN whole grains and dairy (I have a sensitivity to dairy so I have to be careful to not start an allergic inflammation cycle). On food, at least, I just need to keep doing what I am doing, and being accountable for every bite put in my mouth.

On exercise, I just need to make it a priority and get my butt in gear. Finishing my home schedule is also a HUGE priority that will help other things, like sleep, bible study, and exercise, also fall into place. I am struggling with lethargy, laziness, and a bit of stress, so I really need some prayers to overcome them.

That's me in a nutshell. Doing okay, still pregnant with no spotting and the occasional round ligament twinge, and trying to get my life in order in such a way that NOTHING gets neglected during this pregnancy or after. A little discipline and order now will pay off later - the newborn days are TOUGH and take all the preparation I can manage, and it is never too early to start :)