Week 26

 Week 26
Not sure what's going on with my hair... :P

How far along? 26 weeks
Maternity Clothes?  Yup...and I've had the recent challenge of figuring out what size in non-maternity t-shirts to request.  Twice in the last couple weeks I've needed to provide shirt sizes for organizations I'm involved in.  With unisex sizing, I opted for XL when normally I'm a medium.  I'm swimming in them with the exception of the belly.  They seem to fit there!

Bonus is that I went to the doctor today and I still haven't gained too much weight.  I've been on the low end of the "normal" range.  Though if I could get away with not gaining much more than another 10 pounds, I'd be good.  Not sure if that's even possible with baby about to do some serious growing but we'll see.  Again, I'm not too focused on the number as long at the doctor is still ok with it and everything else is looking good (Blood pressure still chilling in the normal range!). 
Have you started to show? That ain't a beach ball under my shirt!
Symptoms:  The heartburn took a turn for the worse this week.  It used to only be when I laid down but now it's constant.  At the last visit, the doctor told me to increase the OTC meds but this week that didn't seem to take the edge off.  It's made it hard to fall asleep so today she gave me the good stuff.  She wrote a prescription though I'm a little iffy about taking it.  The warnings on the label are a little disturbing. :(   Has anyone else taken protonix while prego?
Activity:  It was another off week because I was busy, exhausted and all kinds of uncomfortable.  I did participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life over the weekend and got in lots of walking.  I was on the planning committee so I didn't do too many laps around the track but it was still a lot of time on my feet and buzzing around.  And of course I paid the price for the 2 days after.  :(  Horrible back pain and crazy exhaustion.  It was worth it though.  Our team raised close to $2000 and the entire event has raised over $100,000!  Take that, cancer!

Best moment this week:  Little man is kicking up a storm!  And not only can I feel it inside and out but it's very visible as well.  Sitting on the couch after dinner is a fun activity now because he's usually going nuts.  And as a result, I start laughing.  Every.single.time.  I'm not kidding, when I see something poke out of my belly, I crack up.  It may be nervous laughter but my laughing then amuses The Pilot who starts laughing at me.  It was a vicious cycle the other night.

Miss anything?  Still missing being on my road bike.  Also, there have been lots of races happening that last two weekends and it makes me a little sad that I wasn't participating.  I probably could have done the shorter races but my schedule wouldn't allow it.  I still miss it though.

Movement: See "best moment this week".  The doctor said that I might not notice it every day but starting next month, she'll have me start monitoring daily.  I would say for the most part though I am feeling him move every day.  He still likes meal time and car rides....maybe I'm having a puppy instead of a baby.
Food cravings:  I had backed off just a little on the strawberries...until this happened.  

A STRAWBERRY SALE?!  Yes, I'm yelling.

Two cartons are in the fridge just waiting to be devoured. 

Thank you, Giant Eagle.  I may name the baby after you...not really.

Gender:  A little man.  :)  While I've been a little apprehensive about raising a boy (since, you know, I'm not a boy), I've got some great resources to turn to.  Two of my best friends had boys first and another bestie had a boy just last month.  I know I'll be turning to them A LOT!  Also, I'm super excited for our little guy to be friends with my BFF's little boy since they are going to be so close in age.  Never mind the fact that we live a couple states apart.
Looking forward to: We have a follow up ultrasound next month so I'm excited to see the little guy again.  The doctor wasn't able to get a clear shot of his face at the last ultrasound so she wanted to check that out but she's also going to check his size again.  He was measuring big at the last ultrasound.  Let's hope he's leveled off some and he's not some monster baby that I'll have to somehow push out.

Not looking forward to:  All last week was pretty uncomfortable.  I think baby had a growth spurt and my body was adapting to the new...shape??  I'm feeling a little better this week but I have a feeling some uncomfortable weeks are ahead as I get larger and it gets more difficult to do every day tasks.  I'm already having trouble getting stuff in an out of the washer and dryer.  Didn't see that coming!
Milestones:  I had my glucose test yesterday (and all came back normal).  I had to drink 10 ounces of glucola which I would say is like drinking snow cone syrup.  It went down ok but I certainly didn't feel well for a couple hours after as all that sugar ran its course.  The glucose test means that the 3rd trimester is just around the corner.  Even the doctor commented how fast it seems my pregnancy is going.  We'll see if I'm saying that in the heat of the summer and I feel like I'm going to be pregnant forever. ;)  I'm doing my best to enjoy it all while it lasts because I know he'll be here before we know it!  I commented to The Pilot over the weekend that I wonder if we will miss how quiet our house is now.  The house is so much quieter than the condo (due to the awful neighbors) we were in previously and I love it.  Part of me wonders though if I'll enjoy having more "noise" once little guy is here....or if I'll be longing for quiet.  I'm sure I'll go back and forth.

Week 25

Week 25

How far along?  25 weeks
Maternity Clothes?  Like my new Where's Waldo t-shirt?  I'm not normally one for stripes but an awful lot of prego clothes come in stripes.  I don't get it.  I did find a couple deals last weekend (thanks Rachel for the heads up about ON Polaris!) on a few more pieces.
Have you started to show yet?  Um....look above.  Unlike Waldo, it's pretty obvious.
Symptoms:  Loss of filter?  The more pregnant I get, the more I seem to lose my filter.  I think this goes along with that road rage I mentioned previously.  Don't waste my time, cut me off in traffic or otherwise get in my way.  I will tell you (or gesture) how I feel about it because my filter is gone.  I'm starting to sound like my slightly senile grandma.  Whatever.  Honey badger don't care.
Activity: Blah...does work count?  I worked an event over the weekend (my last before maternity leave!) which wore me out.  I did attempt to help The Pilot with some yard work on Sunday.  During the late winter storms, our trees in the backyard seemed to explode little sticks all over the yard.  The Pilot had tossed most of them into piles and I figured I'd just pick them up and thrown them in the yard waste cans.  After about 30-45 minutes, I was exhausted.  So much so that I fell asleep while eating lunch on the couch not long after.  I then suffered the consequences on Monday.  Excruciating pain in my back that made it difficult to sit...or stand up.  I could barely get out of the car.  :(  Luckily after crying to my mom over the phone, some ice and sleep, I was feeling a little better on Tuesday.  It's hard not being able to do what I want...especially when I feel fine.  It's not like when you are sick and feel awful.  I feel fine until I actually go to DO something.  Doesn't seem like there should be any reason why I can't pick up sticks out of the yard!  But baby says no.
Best moment this week: An attendee at my work event over the weekend pointed at my belly and asked "What is THAT?!" while smiling (I hadn't seen her since the last event which was last fall).  I responded that it was my lunch. :)  It was pretty funny.  Getting even closer to picking a name.
Miss anything?  Roller coasters.  I just realized that I won't be able to ride any roller coasters this summer.  I am a huge fan of roller coasters (I even wanted to design them until I realized I wasn't smart enough...math/science are NOT a talent I have)!  So much so that I've almost always attended opening day or pretty darn close to it when Cedar Point has a new coaster.  And naturally this summer they have a new coaster opening.  I don't have any plans to visit any amusement parks this summer (way too hot and pregnant for that!) so luckily I won't have to SEE the great rides and be stuck on the ground.  I am looking forward to our trip to Disney later this fall though.  Hopefully baby doesn't mind being left sitting in the shade with grandma while I get in a little scream therapy on Space Mountain and Everest.
Movement:  Baby boy goes nuts still right after meals and anytime I'm in the car.  I'm feeling it on the outside more now.  I think The Pilot even felt one nudge the other day.  I think baby is messing with us because it seems like every time I grab The Pilot's hand to put on my stomach, baby stops moving.
Food cravings: Give me all the strawberries in the world and no one gets hurt.
Gender: He's a he!  I'm starting to get more and more used to the idea that we will be raising a boy.   I did decide that if he takes up sports, The Pilot and I will be watching You Tube videos after he's asleep so we can learn up on that kind of stuff.  Or have my brother or nephew teach him. :) Unless he turns out to be artistic/creative or into aviation, The Pilot and I might be a little lost.
Looking forward to:  I wrote this post about being a little nervous about being a mom but then the other day I thought of something I cannot wait to do once little man is here.  Baby zerberts.  There is nothing funnier than giving a baby a zerbert on their belly or cheek and making them laugh.  I used to do this to my niece and nephew when they were babies.  Here are pictures of my niece about 6 years ago (holy crap!) going in for the zerbert on my cheek.  I LOVE this and have a copy of the "contact" photo on my desk.

Not looking forward to: Why oh why does it already seem so hot?  It's only May.  I feel like my skin is on fire most afternoons...I cannot begin to imagine what it's going to be like in July/August.  I've already started to notice that my digits start to get puffy as the temperature increases.  It's going to be a sad day if I can't wear my wedding rings anymore.  I might have to go buy a cheapo band to wear if that happens.  If my loss of filter is like my grandma, then my overheating problem makes me sound like my mother who is the queen of stating things like "Is it HOT in here??" and "It's Sea World hot out there" (inside joke about an ill-fated 106 degree day at Sea World Texas) or my favorite, "Holy sh&$ it's hot."  Now you know where I get my flare for the drama and classiness from.  Love her.
Milestones:  Cauliflower?  Baby is the size of a head of cauliflower.  OK then.  hehe  I also go in for my glucose test soon so there's that.  Let's hope I pass?   The Bump.com keeps reminding me to take a babymoon with The Pilot.  Does driving up to Cleveland to cheer for a friend's 100th marathon count?  No?  Hey Pilot, get on planning that babymoon. ;)

Week 24

 Week 24

How far along?  24 weeks
Maternity Clothes?  I did cave and buy a couple more things but mostly because I had to go out shopping for new bras.  All I'm going to say is that I sure hope I'm the damn Dairy Queen once this baby comes because this is my third bra shopping trip since finding out about baby.  But before I share way too much on the internets, back to the clothing. The inexpensive options are so limited.  The local Old Navy doesn't carry maternity clothes and I'm finding that my size varies wildly depending on brand/style (I'm talking everything from medium to x-large) so ordering online has been a challenge.  I also think I now own just about all of Target's maternity basics.  I really don't want to trek to the Destination Maternity store again because of the prices.  I may try to wait until I get a little bigger and the options are even more limited.  The local consignment shop was having a sale on dresses over the weekend and I was able to get into a non-maternity dress.  It's a little "young" for me but it was so soft and comfortable that I intend to wear it around the house this summer...and it was only $5.
Have you started to show yet?  I think that's a given at this point but I do have a work event this weekend and I'm sure I'll be getting some looks.  I'm curious to see how many people just come out and ask.   I feel like its some kind of social experiment.  It will also be a challenge for me because I'm supposed to wear a suit for 2 days.  We'll see what I squeeze into!
Symptoms:  Over the weekend I noticed that I really have more and more limits.  I think I did a little too much on Saturday and ended up feeling crappy all evening/night.  I was exhausted, all of my joints/muscles ached.  I even got some nausea that I haven't had since the first trimester.  I'm a little worried about the next 5 weeks.  We have non-stop stuff going on.  I think I'm just going to have to force myself to take more breaks...and learn to say no.  Boo.
Activity:  There was a 3-mile shuffle and then more pre-natal yoga.  Better than nothing...
Best moment this week:  The kicks are getting stronger and stronger.  We also hung up all of the "artwork" in the nursery.  And put together the crib.

The crib is a story in itself.  One that I will admit that I have cried over.  My brother and sister-in-law offered to give us their crib.  This was last summer...before baby Megatron came into the picture.  Since we had moved into the house and had plenty of space in the basement crawl space, we went ahead and took it.  So once we found out we were pregnant and the news sunk in a little, The Pilot went to the basement to bring up the crib.  He asked me where the parts (bolts, etc) were.  I figured they were right with the crib...but they weren't.  I didn't really help move the crib into the house other than hold the door so I don't really remember ever seeing a bag of parts.  There was a vague recollection of them sitting on the kitchen table at some point but nothing after that.  My brother was certain he brought them...it's just that no one knows where they went from there. 

I wasn't too worried yet.  I figured The Pilot and I would go through the basement and find them.  Nope.  Both of us separately tore apart the basement.  And when they didn't turn up, we tore apart the ENTIRE house.  I mean we were looking in places that made NO sense at all (the garage, under the bathroom sinks).  Still nothing.  We went to the internet only to find that the crib is no longer made (its 10 years old) and the company doesn't carry the spare parts anymore.

This is when I started to get really frustrated.  Especially since I rarely lose things.  Like never.  I might temporarily misplace something but for the most part, I'm pretty organized and have a decent memory when it comes to those types of things.  Except for this.  I was embarrassed to admit to my brother and sister-in-law that we couldn't find the parts!   It was sort of a joke that anytime someone asked someone else in the family for something, there was usually a comment that whatever it was was probably with the crib parts.  Funny...until it wasn't anymore.  I had visions having to spend hundreds of dollars on a new crib or have our baby sleep in a dresser drawer.

But, thanks to The Pilot's persistence and no fewer than 4 trips to various hardware stores, the crib is together correctly.  We are still waiting on a recall kit from the manufacturer (which they still carried) because it is a drop-side crib which I guess is a no-no these days but we do have a safe place for baby to sleep (once he moves out of our bedroom).
Miss anything? Sleep....Have I mentioned this before?  :)  It's getting worse again thanks to the fact that rolling myself over in bed is quite a production.  And not something I can do without waking up anymore.  There have been a few nights when The Pilot has been home that I've wanted to grab onto him for leverage.   I don't quite understand why rolling over has suddenly become so difficult!  I suppose this is just the slow preparation of things to come.
Movement:  He's definitely getting bigger and stronger because the kicks are getting more and more noticeable.  I could do without the dance party when I'm trying to fall asleep but it's still fun when I feel him moving.
Food cravings:   Two pounds of strawberries went missing sometime between Saturday morning and Tuesday at lunch....  I also get random cravings for french fries but luckily I've been able to push through those for the post part...by eating more strawberries.  Only about 5 more weeks until the local farmer's market opens...I wonder if they will have strawberries.  Or maybe I can diversify with the farmer's market nectarines that I swear the farmer sprinkles crack on right before I buy them...
Gender: Boy!  Still fussing over names.  The Pilot was ready to "shake on it" for one name in particular recently but I just wasn't ready.  I honestly didn't expect it to be this hard, especially since I'm usually pretty decisive. 
Looking forward to: Picking out a name...sharing nursery pictures!  I wanted to wait until we got at least one sheet to put on the crib before taking photos.  :)
What I'm not looking forward to:  It just occurred to me that I'll be the "most" pregnant over the summer months.  As in shorts weather.  And I'm already having trouble tying my shoes.  So you know what else is difficult?  Shaving my legs.  Yeah.

Milestones: Mr. Man is the size of a cantaloupe.  We ran to the grocery after Saturday's walk (and after a trip to the bathroom of course!) and happened to walk by the cantaloupe.  I've never been a huge fan of melon in general so when I picked one up, I was surprised at how heavy it was.  No wonder my lower back always hurts...I've got a cantaloupe pulling on my front.

And just for giggles...this little princess doesn't seem to mind too much that my lap is getting smaller, especially when she can use the belly as a pillow.  She hasn't been kicked in the head yet though so we'll see how long this lasts.

My boring workouts

Sorry folks, my workouts are not so exciting these days.  I'm not training for any long distances and given that I can't run/walk very far without having to pee, there isn't much opportunity for my many musings I have during a longer workout.  But in an effort for this to not turn into a pregnancy blog, here's the latest in the workouts.

Saturday was another group workout at a local running store.  I was planning to go and The Pilot agreed to tag along.  I was exhausted when I got up and really didn't want to go but The Pilot lured me out of bed with promises that I could sleep in on Sunday.  So I got up and we headed out the door.  

The only real goal was to run/walk/shuffle for as long as possible without peeing my pants.  For real.  Oh well, at least it was a goal.   We started running very slowly behind some of my crazy fast walker friends but my heart rate quickly went through the roof so we dropped to a walk.  We did a couple more bursts of running but right around 1.5 miles out, I knew I would need to go to the bathroom so we walked (Baby Boy must not like running and decides to put the smack down on my bladder...TMI??).  Not much further, I realized I probably shouldn't go all the way out (did I just type that?!?) to the 2 mile marker since there weren't any bathrooms along the route.  So we turned around.  I debated going into the hospital we walked past to use their restroom so I could walk a little further but by that point, my back was also starting to hurt.

And because there isn't much entertaining about a 3+ mile shuffle, we took this gem.

Is a pregnant lady out for a slow workout with a baby sitting on her bladder considered an emergency?  Probably not.

Sigh.  I keep telling myself that all that matters is that I'm still active.  Not as active as I had hoped to be but I'm still moving and I'll keep trying until the body and just say no more. 

Besides, any time I get to hang out with this guy is always a good thing.  It sure beats trying to catch up with each other while he's standing in a jetway and I'm yelling at my cell phone so he can hear me.

So there was that...and then there was a short prenatal yoga workout last night.  But I'm going to leave out all the details because I was probably doing all the moves wrong...especially since I had a cat who was trying to help.  And by help I mean shoving her tail in my face while I was attempting cat's pose.  Ironic much?

Week 23

Week 23

How far along? 23 weeks when the photo was taken...though technically today I am 24 weeks.  My photo editor was on a 4-day trip.  :)
Maternity clothes?  Oh yeah....and I'm already getting bored with my limited selections.  I only have a couple casual shirts and a couple work shirts.  I need choices!  My rational side is saying to make do but the bored part of me is saying to go shopping again.  Stay tuned for which side wins.
Have you started to show yet?  It's pretty darn obvious now that I didn't just gain weight.  Especially since the only place I appear larger is the belly and chest.  At least, this is what I'm telling myself.  I still have a waist (on the sides at least) and I haven't noticed anything else getting...ummm....larger.  If you know me and have noticed anything else getting larger, keep it to yourself.  ;)
Symptoms: Is losing the ability to tie my own shoes a symptom?  'Cause that's slowly becoming a reality.  While I can kinda sorta still bend over at the waist, it's not comfortable and I can't breathe while doing so.  It reminds me of being a kid and making my mom time how long I could hold my breath under water.  Hey mom, want to come over and time me to see if I can hold my breath while trying to tie my shoes?  (She's also a nurse so if I pass out I'll be in good hands.  No worries.)  It's a good thing the prenatal yoga I've been doing sporadically has some good squatting exercises because that might be the only way I'll be able to wear shoes with laces.
Activity:  I was chilling with the swan over the weekend and there was more prenatal yoga.  I would love to be getting in more workouts each week but I'm in my busy time at work so it's a challenge.  I hope that by early May I can at least get in 3 days a week of some kind of activity (or I'm going to start counting laundry because of the multiple trips up and down the stairs).
Best moment this week:  I *think* I felt the little man move...from the outside.  He was moving around so I grabbed my belly and sure enough, I felt something.  I'm pretty certain I didn't twitch and I wasn't feeling my own pulse.  I think. 

Also, The Pilot and I scored big time over the weekend with nursery decor.  Once it's all done I'll definitely post pictures.  All I'll say now is that I really hope this kid is born with a sense of humor because with parents like us, he's going to need it!
Miss anything?  I'm still missing my bike.  The weather keeps getting nicer and the cyclists are hitting the roads.  Other than that though, I'm good. 
Movement:  I have to say, this is becoming my favorite part of pregnancy (after seeing the ultrasounds).  It's still the most bizarre thing I've ever experienced but something about that movement that is a reminder of what's going on.  He is most active right after I've eaten and for some reason, during my commute home from work.  I'm not sure if its the vibration of the car that wakes him up or maybe he doesn't like that I serenade him with not-baby-appropriate music and he keeps punching me in the bladder to get me to stop.

Food cravings:  Not as many strawberries this week...I haven't been to the grocery.  Boo.  I did have some at my parents' house the other night and they were glorious!

But then this just happened at lunch today....at least I added a few other fruits for variety.

Gender:  Still trying it out by calling the baby "him" or "he" instead of "it" or "alien."  :)
Looking forward to:  We hope to put some of the final decorations up in the nursery this weekend.  I also just got the invite to a baby shower....honoring me!  :)

What I'm not looking forward to:  The doctor said I should be drinking 150 ounces of water every day.  Say what?!  I'm no where near that and I'm still peeing all the darn time.  I'm working on it but there are times when I feel like I'm floating and just give up.  I've always been a water drinker but some days I get bored.  Having juice or a Vitamin Water is nearly as good as dessert some days! 
Milestones:  Megatron is the size of a grapefruit this week...at least I am familiar with that fruit!  Also, I read to the little guy for the first time.  A dear friend sent me a copy of this book.  All the pregnancy books say its a good idea to start reading/talking to the baby and that babies will recognize their parents' voices right at birth but honestly, I just felt a little silly.  Basically I was just reading Dr. Seuss to myself.  It also brought up a repressed emotion for me.  I forgot how much I dislike reading out loud.  Even though I love to read, I have always hated having to read out loud in school.  For some reason my brain reads faster than my mouth can keep up.  Hopefully this kid doesn't mind!  Or maybe I should just keep practicing...or try something other than Dr. Seuss and his crazy made-up words.

Gym Class Dropout: Becoming A Mom

I did a post on The Pilot becoming a dad (AKA the story of how I told him I was pregnant).  I figured I'd write one about me becoming a mom as it is no doubt been a journey already.  With the excitement of the pregnancy itself, I sometimes forget that at the end of this 10 month journey, I'm going to be a mom.  With so much to do to prepare for pregnancy, delivery and baby, it's hard to even think about the mom aspect of it.  I wasn't one of those women who dreamed about being a mom someday.  Up until I met The Pilot, I was pretty sure I didn't want kids.  Fast forward a couple years and here we are.  Approaching our 2nd wedding anniversary and just 4 months away from becoming parents.

I hadn't thought much about the whole "mom" aspect of things until recently.  I was at a meeting preparing for a local American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event that I've been involved with.  A mom and daughter got up in front of everyone to share their story.  The mom shared a little but left the rest to this video:



Now, I've seen a lot of videos like this over the last 8+ years of volunteering with both the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the American Cancer Society.  It's not that I've become immune to them but for some reason I can usually watch them without crying.  Especially if I'm with a group of people.  I'm not sure how I can lock that away but I can.  Until I saw this one.

And I think it's because within the 7 minute video, it hit me like a ton of bricks that I'm about to become a mom.  There was something about seeing that mom trying to comfort her child through the most unimaginable crisis.  All that mom wanted to do was take away her daughter's pain and make her better.  And all that little girl wanted was her mom.  I barely kept it together while I watched but for the day following that meeting, I realized just what is about to happen to my life. The Pilot and I are about to become someone's everything.   This little person will depend on us for everything, including comfort.  Hell, I'm 32 and I still go to my own mom for comfort.  That's heavy stuff!

I recently shared with The Pilot that I'm not scared of labor and delivery.  I'm scared of the lifetime after.  I'm still scared that I'll suck as a mom, though I know in my heart that's probably not going to be a reality.  I know it's completely normal to be afraid and I still have 4 months to adjust to the concept.  And I know enough about babies/kids to know that that our lives will never be the same.  I will probably miss our pre-baby lives but that's ok.  There will be a million new experiences to look forward to and treasure. So while I might be terrified, I'm also so so excited to welcome a little guy into this world.  I'm super excited to see The Pilot as a dad.  I'm excited to see how I evolve as a mom.  And besides, how can I completely suck at being a mom when I had one of THE best role models growing up (and when I say growing up, I mean the last 32 years)??  My mom is the best! If I have only a fraction of the relationship I have with my mom with my own child, both baby and I will be just fine!

And on another note about that video. it made me so badly want to go out and donate blood.  Unfortunately my doctor said no donating while pregnant.  I guess me and little man need it all right now.  As soon as I get the ok from the doctor though, I'll be back at it.  Who wants to go donate in my place?!

No Leaves...just swans

After getting rained out on Monday, I finally was able to get some fresh air.  My 4 miler on Saturday morning was just what I needed.  It was cold but the sun was out and I spent much of the 4 miles on my own...or at least just me and Megatron/Baby but he doesn't say much. 

I met up with a "new" group this time though there were some familiar faces in the crowd.  Including these lovely ladies who just happened to roll up wearing the same shirts.  :)  Nerds.

I did a run/walk combo almost all the way until mile 3 when I swear that baby must have had a foot pushing on my bladder.  Still a mile from my starting point, wearing a bright yellow shirt in a suburban area, in the spring with hardly much tree cover.  Peeing in the bushes was not an option...though one I probably would have taken had there been more leaves on the trees to hide me.  I just know Lisa is smiling about that because she still can't believe as long as I've been marathoning, that I've never had to pee outside.  :P

Anyways...I was forced to walk the rest of the way back but it was still a great workout.  It was nice to have some quiet time to myself.  And because all I could think about was how badly I needed to pee, my brain didn't even wander.  Sometimes its nice to empty the brain!  It's like a reset button.

I did have a brief startle when I passed a pond and a swan was trying to fly away.  From the noise, I thought it was coming at me.  It wasn't.  Though I did snap it's picture when I circled back around.  Because that's what you do when you are slow.  You stop and take pictures of swans during workouts.