Oh, baby! (2018)
So this has been quite an exciting year! I didn't spend the winter off-season training indoors like I normally do. This time, I took time off because I was pregnant!
My last tournament was in July 2017, in Long Beach California. It was there that I had a strong suspicion that something was going on with my body... so I snuck over to the local grocery store and bought a pregnancy test. It was very exciting to see it turn out positive! Pretty tough to keep the secret from Taylor, but I knew I had to wait and make sure John was the first to hear the good news. He was joining me in California the following day. FUN TIMES!
Here is a selfie I took moments before I shared the news with John!
The pregnancy was great, other than feeling pretty tired, I had nothing to complain about. It was pretty cool to see how my body changed month to month.
I was feeling ready to go by my due date, but the baby had other plans. My labour wouldn't start until 8 days later! (For more on that, check out this interview I did with my doula: a reflection on the whole experience of birth- something I will NEVER forget)
Finally on March 24 (two days after John's birthday) we got to meet Maxwell. I can't even begin to describe how much I love him.
I was doing yoga throughout my pregnancy (shout out to Yoga Mamas!). Once Max arrived, I was able to bring him along to yoga as well. I started up again when he was about 6 weeks old. Gradually I felt myself getting stronger. I finally felt ready to hit the sand for some light (very light!) training about 3 months later. It has been so much fun to get back into training. I really missed playing. Now, Max is 6 months old and I am in full force, working on getting my strength and fitness back. Taylor and I have our sights on an upcoming Tournament in Las Vegas in mid-October. I can't wait to get back out there and compete!
It takes a village....
I am so grateful for my family's love and support in helping me pursue my volleyball dreams as a mom.
If it weren't for the unconditional love and support I get from John, this wouldn't be possible.
My mom (now known as Grandma! lol) has been so amazingly helpful in every way, probably even in ways I haven't noticed yet too. She is always there to help with whatever I need, whether it's cooking, babysitting or whatever. Not to mention, she is quickly becoming Max's BFF. Thank you "Grandma"!