If Ethel Kennedy can do it, so can I! : )

Susie was in town the first week of October (her school has this brillant calendar of 9 week quarters with 2 weeks of break - awesome!) and we had a great time visiting. When she first saw me, she said "that is not a food baby!" She followed it with "and if it was, we have a problem!" We laughed and laughed - she taught me that phrase so it has special meaning.

As I wrote in an earlier post, Susie asked if we were going to play tennis and I said of course. Well, I didn't know how tired I would be in this trimester. Also I played tennis earlier in the week with a co-worker, Jeanie, and wondered how I'd feel by the weekend. All was fine, but I definitely had to be careful and try not to run or move too quickly - instinct and competitiveness kicks in despite a 7 month pregnant belly!

Another semi-regular tradition when Susie is in Nashville is we play doubles tennis with 2 male friends of ours. Usually we play mixed doubles, but for some reason Susie & I teamed up to play against them. It was fine, I really didn't think we'd play too long (Jeanie and I had only hit for 30 minutes on Monday). Susie & Tara together are uber-competitive and so are the guys; I felt good so we played one set (we won 6-4), then started a second set. The weather was pleasant, not too warm, nice breeze. I really didn't think we'd play long, but they were leading 3-1 and so we kept at it and pulled ahead to 5-3. Then we went back and forth until we tied at 6-6 ... tiebreaker time! The men started off well, got a lead of 5-1. Then I served some good points and amazingly we rallied to get to 6-6 and we finished with 8-6.

Final score: 6-4, 7-6. They were slightly bitter - "it really is not fair that the THREE of you beat us." : )

I'm not sure how much tennis I'll play as the weeks progress. I doubt much, but I look forward to the spring league starting in April and doing some clinics in February and March to prepare. It definitely will help with getting back in post-baby shape.

Jai adds: Tara forgot to mention that the story goes that Ethel Kennedy played tennis all nine months of at least one of her pregnancies and this is a reminder Bonnie (Tara's Mom) uses often.

Exercise during pregnancy

I love to exercise. I know that makes me somewhat of a freak. : ) However, I truly enjoy working out, getting sweaty, feeling the adrenaline and endorphins course through my body. I exercise for a variety of reasons - overall health, weight management, competitive spirit as well as solitary time. Also I love muscle tone (on me and others) - for example, Serena Williams ... amazing!

Usually I ride my stationary bike for 30-45 minutes every morning when I don't go to the Y for my aerobics classes. In April and May that wasn't happening - sleep triumphed. However, I still attended my Zumba class 2 mornings a week and went to water aerobics 2 afternoons a week. I like routine and even being pregnant I made some of it happen.

I already mentioned the beginning of the pregnancy and the spring tennis league. Playing tennis was my savior. In June the summer tennis league started. I decided to be ambitious since I'd been undefeated in the previous seasons and I went to tennis camp and thought it'd be good for my tennis "growth." So I signed up for the 3.5 league. However, I didn't consider a few factors in my decision-making process. I was going to be 14-20 weeks pregnant, 10 pounds heavier, it's HOTTER in June & July and the players are much better. Lastly I hate to lose and lose I did. My record was 2-4 with one default so technically I could say I was 3-4. I still had fun and played some great matches. Also I learned a lot about my game and some skills I desperately need to improve in order to be more competitive at the 3.5 level. My goal is 4-3 for spring '09!

Sadly I haven't played tennis in weeks and as my baby bump grew, I thought all that bouncing around would be uncomfortable plus I don't have a regular tennis partner (that's why I love the league). Recently I was talking with my sister who is coming to Nashville for a week's visit in early October and she asked if we were going to play tennis. We always play tennis when we get together whether in Phoenix or Nashville or one of our sister trip destinations. I answered "oh, yes" even though I haven't played in awhile and told her what our mom is always saying. "Ethel Kennedy (married to RFK I think) played tennis up until she delivered all of her babies" (I think she had 9-10 kids). I'm no Ethel Kennedy, but I hope I can move around and hit a few balls, maybe some games.

I stopped going to Zumba class in early August - too jarring - and I miss the fun dance moves. I still ride my stationary bike (only 20 minutes in the morning) and use my hand weights (a few reps). I still have water aerobics class, too. It's nice to be weightless in the water and also it is gentle on my joints. Thankfully I haven't had any swelling of the ankles so walking to and from the Y continues to be possible and good exercise, too.