This past Friday, I hit the 16 weeks pregnant mark. I can’t believe how fast time is flying! I guess I have my two little munchkins to thank for keeping me so busy this dreadful winter.
To be perfectly honest, I’ve been forgetting I am pregnant. I am reminded by my growing belly, which is getting rounder and harder by the day, and by the butterfly movements I feel once I finally sit down at the end of the day — but that’s about it. I honestly feel the best I’ve ever felt pregnant…and for that, I am SO thankful.
We will be finding out the gender in a few weeks and I.Can’t.Wait. As much as I want a little boy as my final baby, I would be thrilled to have another gal join our crew as well. I’m not picky 😉 Healthy is my priority!
Speaking of health…I haven’t been the healthiest eater lately. Sadly, I know this is my last pregnancy, so I want to ENJOY it and already have plans to get back into my hardcore running mode {well, shorter distances at least} once baby arrives. Let me tell you — this baby LOVES food. I’ve been eating everything, really, but my favorites have been subs from Jimmy Johns, salads with lots of ranch, root beer and ice cream.
I am thankful for my Fitbit Flex though {review coming soon}, for reminding me I need to get up and MOVE. That, coupled with lots and lots of H20 infused with lemon or peppermint essential oil have been my saving graces this pregnancy!
Other than that, thoughts of labor have been consuming me at night when I’m trying to fall asleep. I’ve had rough, long labors these past two times and am ready for a more natural approach now that I know my body better, despite my previous doc telling me I should opt for a c-section. For this reason, I am seeing a midwife. I’m so thrilled to have a birth advocate with me for the ride who understands what I’ve been through and helps me to trust my body more than a medical intervention {not to say I’m opposed if it’s absolutely needed}. Read my birth stories here.
My midwife, Jane, has joked with me that I need post-traumatic stress therapy from my previous births and I couldn’t agree more. I need to change the way I view birth. I have big babies and hard labors — period. No drug is going to save me {and they haven’t in the past}, so I need to better understand positioning and breathing. I am determined to make the third time a charm! If you have any suggestions of things I should read to inspire me, please let me know. I’m in need of some hopeful birth stories of experienced mamas who have also been traumatized 😉
Just for fun…Here are my answers to old wives tales:
So what do you think — girl or boy this time?! I’ll be revealing what we find out in a few weeks, so stay tuned!
I had a wonderful midwife all three times. It made birth very empowering. Read the birth partners handbook.
Awesome — will do! Very excited to have a midwife. Wish I would’ve done it from the beginning. Hoping for an entirely different and amazing experience.
Girl. I’m two for two on Chinese calendars so that’s what I’m going with.
Ha! Funny enough…Both my calendars have been wrong (it said boys for both of my girls). Should be interesting either way!
Congratulations! Praying for a smooth pregnancy and delivery. Three are so much fun. That little belly bump is super cute. 😉
Thanks so much, Lindsey! If you have any advice on balancing 3, please feel free to share 😀
Holy cow, 16 weeks already!? Olivia said a boy, but I think another girl. Eat whatever you want, girl! Live it up!! I highly doubt you are eating that bad. Have you tried that new Opa ranch? Yummmmm.
Well, let’s just say I’ve caved to all my cravings. I am eating healthy too, but just in massive amounts and with not-so-healthy condiments/sides 😉
I have not tried that ranch! I should because I am a ranch snob and don’t like many of the bottled kinds. I like making my own…Runny ranch FTW!
I’m going with boy because you’re pregnancy has been so easy so far! I hope that having the midwife will help you to achieve the labor and delivery that you hope for.
Hey Lauren, I’ve been catching up with you on here, yay for technology! Can’t believe you are going to be having three 🙂 In my area in FL there is a big doula/midwife/natural birth circle. I’m not personally a part of it but my good friend here, Katie, had a traumatic birth and followed that up by a beautiful second birth, thankfully. She is in training to be a doula now. If you’d like some inspiration from someone who may know more what you are feeling and would like to connect with her let me know. I can hook you guys up on Facebook or email. If you feel supported then no worries. Looking forward to “hearing” about baby #3!
Hi Mallory! So great to hear from you on here 🙂 I would love to be connected with your friend! I am considering a doula, but not sure if we can afford it. I’m looking into a few free programs where I will deliver (at UofM) and hoping for the best. I would love to tap into her to learn how she made her second birth better. Thanks for reaching out!
You know I say another girl 🙂 but as long as momma and baby are healthy, that is all that matters!
You got it! Definitely perks to both genders. Can’t wait to find out. I’m in amazement with people who wait. I’m way to anxious to start planning!