CrossFit and Pregnancy.

Let me introduce a very determined good looking gal, Ashley Carpenter. I met her about a year and a half ago, while doing CrossFit at CrossFit Yokosuka. She's 25 years old from Colorado. She's the mother of a beautiful and healthy boy. Ashley started doing CrossFit because she wanted to gain lean muscle. She had been doing CrossFit for a few months when she found out she was expecting baby #2. From the moment she announced she was expecting, I told her I wanted to do her maternity pictures. Then our CrossFit coach suggested to do some maternity pictures while she worked out. Everyone that sees her working out can't believe their eyes, and are always complimenting her.

There is a lot of information out there regarding exercise and its benefits while pregnant. That is why this post is not meant to create a debate whether a woman should or shouldn't exercise while pregnant.

I read an article that said: 

Pregnancy is a nine-month marathon. Or maybe an extreme obstacle course-demanding mere mortal women to (literally) stretch themselves as they haul loads of increasingly heavy human life, share their bodies and nutrients with it, and then push the child out with superhuman strength. It's a marathon women have been running since forever, and yet it still amazes us and raises questions-questions like, "should you really exercise during pregnancy?" Maybe it seems so unnatural-seeing that round woman passing you on your morning jog. She's so fragile! In a way, yes, she's fragile (aren't we all), but that woman is a also a marathoner, remember, who has the capacity to grow a life and push it out. She can probably handle a jog. And if pregnancy is a marathon, ought she get strong and fit for the road ahead?
If you like to read the article in it's entirety you can find it here. 

I asked our Coach Stephanie Cherrstrom her opinion regarding pregnancy and overall physical activity.

From the Coach perspective, if you were CrossFitting prior to your pregnancy there is no reason you should stop. Obviously there were some modifications throughout her pregnancy from weight to movements. I think it's key to talk about how staying active not only helps with pregnancy, delivery and postpartum, but also the mental health of physical activity, like the increase of endorphins, lowers chances of depression, and finally sets a great example if you have other children about living a healthy lifestyle. 

Stephanie holds the following certifications: Olympic Lifting, Pose Running and Gymnastics, CrossFit Level 1, AFAA Personal Trainer, and AFAA Group X. 

I have asked Ashley to share a little message for everyone reading this post.

The key for me was to listen to my body at all times and not to worry about what others were doing or thinking. Everyone and everyday is different, there were weeks where I couldn't do anything, and weeks where I felt so good. Sometimes I had to reminds myself I was pregnant, but I never gave up because I want to be physically and emotionally strong when it comes to bringing my son into this world. I'm not saying everyone who is pregnant should go out and do CrossFit, but I think they should stop living by the stereotypical pregnancy belief that we should eat whatever we crave and become sedentary because of stress and fear. If you were active and healthy before why stop now when your baby needs a healthy mom the most? Being active has kept me from felling achy and stiff. It helps me sleep at night, and it keeps me emotionally strong. My husband and I are constantly reminded of the little things that being fit throughout my pregnancy has done, compared to my last pregnancy. He appreciates that I can still put on my own shoes, and reach across the car for a kiss. I'm emotionally stronger, I have more confidence, and all these benefits were reaped from doing CrossFit. I know what I'm doing is the best for my child, and for delivering him into a healthy, strong environment. People can judge and say mean things when they can't relate to your beliefs. This doesn't mean what you are doing is wrong just stay true to yourself. Listen to your body and do what's best for you and your baby.

I would like to point out, when we decided to do this photo session we wanted to share the positive aspects of a healthy, and active lifestyle. We hope we can motivate and inspire others.

Ashlee was 35 weeks pregnant at the time of the photo session.

 She is super sweet and super strong ;)

 Stephanie and Ashlee worked together to modify every WOD. 

I'm saving the best for almost last. Enjoy some bloopers that happened during the session.

 Peek-a-boo

 photobomb

Time goes by fast when you're having FUN!

I also took her maternity pictures.

She's a wonderful woman, wife, mommy, and friend. 

I am happy to report, she gave birth to a health baby boy. He was 8 lbs.15 oz. She actually worked out until the day of her delivery.

If you made it all the way to the end. Thank you for your time and Happy Mother's Day to all mothers and future mamas out there. If you like this post please share it.

Until next time. With love,

Tamara

**Disclaimer: Prior to participating in any program, activity or exercise, you should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health-care professional.**

Christmas in March

I am back!!!! 

I had given up on blogging for good. Strangely enough random people started messaging me telling me how much they like my blog and pictures. I was shocked and touched. Really?! You guys have been paying attention to my random posts, and all of a sudden my "reasons" to stop blogging became little excuses. 
Blogging is extremely time consuming not only because my wrist can handle so much typing but I have sort of a phobia when it comes to writing in English. In case you didn't know English is my second language. I have learned to speak English by reading books, watching TV, listening to music, and of course by trial and error by attempting to have a conversation with others. I did Learned to speak, but I didn't went to school to learn how to write grammatically correct that is. So bare with me if you sometime misunderstand me. My other reason is that we are prepping ourselves for our move this summer. We are heading back to the States it feels good and not so good all together. We have a "routine" sort of speak, we have friends, and we can move around so much easier, etc. since we are moving I have been focusing on spending time with our friends and really just enjoying our last days in this beautiful country. As you can see I had two valid points to stop blogging but I have tons of ideas to share and so many pictures to show you. Can you believe that I have over ten thousand pictures on one of my hard drives? Is not even two years old. Crazy! My husband told me to either stop taking so many pictures or start sharing them on my blog. After all is why I take so many pictures in the first place. Needless to say I'm sharing my pictures. 

Now, where did I left off last with my blog. Ah! yes, Christmas.Our last Christmas in Japan and I had to make this one memorable for the kids. I sure did. As a tradition we begin decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving day. We play Christmas songs, and we just get into the spirit.

Jesus is the reason for the season in our home. It is another tradition of ours to not place baby Jesus in the mantel until the day of his birthday Dec. 24 at midnight.

My kids help me decorate the tree. This is the memorable part I forgot to test the lights before starting to decorate. It is a pre-lit tree and by the time I remembered almost all the ornaments were on tree. When I checked the lights only the ones on the bottom worked. I had to remove all the ornaments and fix the lights. Needless to say my kids were not interested in helping me put the ornaments back for the seconds time around. I ended up doing it all by myself.

 Mia and Romeo love Christmas as much as we do.

 We took care of Louie for a while. I had to snap some Christmas portraits for his parents =)

 I have become obsessed with nutcrackers. I have started to collect them.

 More decorations.

 Our ornaments on our tree.

 I really treasure and value the ornaments my kids have handcrafted themselves.

This airplane is J.D's favorite ornament.

He looks like Mr. Grinch's dog in this picture. He's so sweet.

Mama hurry up take that picture!

That's my cue to stop taking pictures.

I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my post and view my pictures. I also have a Facebook page See: Life and Light if you like you can check that out. I post more pictures there too.

Until next time.

With love,

Tamara 

P.S: I was going to sign as "Audrey" but that is a story for another post