Hi, I'm pregnant!

Six months to be exact. And it was a little unexpected. Okay, a lot unexpected. But like most unexpectedly pregnant mothers, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Let's take a step back in time. In the winter of 2016 I was getting bored with my usual nutrition and training routine. I was CRAVING a challenge and wanted to do something I'd never done before. Prior to this time I had toyed with the idea of one day participating in a figure/bikini competition but never actually committed. Well, that winter was the time! I was ready to commit and I DID! I got a coach and jumped into the prep, two feet, with a huge splash! I was seeing changes quickly and was in love with the whole process of watching my body, mind, and attitude transform. During this time my boyfriend (now husband ❤️) was fully supportive and challenged me to better myself each step of the way. About 6 weeks away from show time and stepping on the stage for my figure competition debut, we found out that we would be expecting a little bundle of joy. This put a crinkle in the upcoming plan.

I was currently in the best shape of my life. I was making advances in my career, gaining knowledge and experience, was the happiest I've been, and believed in myself more than I ever had. When I hesitantly glanced down at the first pregnancy test, I quietly laughed. This was a cruel joke that was being played on me. In the following days I proceeded to take about 6 more tests. Yep...all positive. Not just a cruel joke but my current reality. I had not planned for this. I was not prepared for this. I had way too many other important things to do! I was devastated and heart broken. Fast forward to today I have a heart so full of love for my husband and baby girl it could probably explode at any moment. I had to discontinue my preparation for a figure competition and immediately start prepping for REAL BODY BUILDING (you know...building an actual human and all). This preparation included a lot of tears, loss in self confidence, fear, discomfort, and even disgust in the ways that my body was inevitably changing. But in this process is where I found my true joy and passion (surprise! It's still health and fitness). My priorities have changed and my perspective has shifted. I've learned to love my body in all of the amazing-ness that it is. I've learned to love myself. I've learned that my mind is powerful beyond measure. I feel empowered in the fact that my mind and body are so versatile. And the awesome thing is, is that ever single person has the capability to feel the same! All it takes is a flip of your perspective. I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity to bring a new life to this world and start my family. I already love my little girl and husband more than I thought possible. Like I said before, I wouldn't change it for the world 🌎. Although my goals of stepping on the stage have been postponed, I'm not down nor am I done! It's only going to make the comeback that much sweeter.