35 Weeks Pregnant with Baby #3

Here: let's do a little fun comparison...

here was me at 33 weeks with Christopher, 33 and then 35 weeks with Ryan :) 

(FYI: Christopher was 10 lbs 3 oz at birth and Ryan was 10 days early and 8 lbs 6 oz.... so had he gone full term he would've been very near 10 lbs, too!)

I, personally, do not feel as large as I did with either of the boys! 

I feel much more like how I was at 31 weeks with them. 

Maybe that's because I've been swimming this pregnancy and just feel better in general (not as sore and more energy!) or HOPEFULLY it's an indicator that the little princess is going to be a wee bit smaller in size than those big brothers of hers. 

PREGNANCY STATS:

- weight gain: approximately 15 lbs 

- she is head down and moves A LOT!

- Lia is very scheduled. She moves at certain times. Sleeps at specific times. I feel she is a peaceful baby with a mellow yet adamant spirit. I don't think it's going to be ANYTHING like what I experienced with the boys. She wakes at 4, 7, and 10 pm. Then from around 11:30 / midnight until 7:30 / 8:00 a.m. she is..... sleeping. 

- cravings: none

- cold: FINALLY completely gone

- still swimming (well...who am I kidding....still FLOATING!)  Next week I have us booked for 6 days of swimming. I want to be ready for labor / delivery!

- started drinking my delicious third trimester / labor prep tea and started Evening Primrose Oil regimen more on that here

- NESTED. Got baby's stuff all ready and the complete last of things was ordered for her. 

(batteries for swing, bottles washed and ready, still need to completely pack / re-pack labor bag, though)

I have also started doing some "birth affirmations".  Sounds corny, I know. 

But seriously: when I was pregnant with Christopher and during the labor / delivery I learned a lot about myself. I learned to trust my body instinctively. Prior to this week I tried to take 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes before bed to just silently lay there and think about little baby. Now I'm actively visualizing everything and a good labor. I REALLY want her to come out in a state of peace. I do not want a repeat colic baby like with  Ryan. Kid cried every waking moment and was in a baby carrier between 16 and 22 hours PER DAY for his first 3 months of life. The doctors actually kicked me out of the ER because he had such extreme colic but there was nothing medically wrong and nothing they could do for me. Yep.  So: I want a peaceful baby and I want to do everything I possibly can to ensure I get one :) 

Anyways. 

I also really want to do this labor / delivery naturally. 

I just think: why not.

I mean: I won't kick myself if I end up with an epidural or something comes up.

I just really feel I want to try out this whole self-affirming hypno thing I'm trying out. 

Harnessing the inner warrior goddess of untapped potential. 

Ok - not that extreme. But: you get it ;) 

I just had such a beautiful experience when Christopher came out and it's a memory I'll remember forever and ever and ever just absolutely imprinted on my heart.

With Ryan? Yeah. I didn't have that. 

And I want it again.

Anyhow. Off to bed for me and the munchkin.

Tomorrow's plans: working online on my site and getting everything set up so after I have her I can easily transition back into working from home with the right foundation.

Then you all can follow my post-baby body journey! (or whatever you want to call it!)

Thanks for reading and following along my journey. 

You might also be interested in:

-- Name Reveal

-- 34 weeks (baby #2)

-- 35 weeks (baby #1) Oh my gosh.... I can't believe how different I am now!  I was so ....shy back then! PS - DO NOT USE THAT LAUNDRY DETERGENT FROM MY VIDEO! AGHHH!!!

.....how little I knew then.  WWW.NONTOXICDIVA.COM 

Feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you'd like!

It's where I put out new videos, random life moments, updates.... etc. 

Pretty much anything going on and then I organize them into playlists.

Been vloggin' since 2009! Can't believe how much things have changed since then....

UPDATE : 31 Weeks + No More Contractions!

We are so blessed by the amount of people surrounding us who are supportive and always keeping us in your thoughts / prayers. I am especially thankful for all of you last night because all of the prayers / thoughts worked!
I woke up this morning after EIGHT SOLID HOURS of sleep with no contractions.
I knew if I could get my body to relax enough to sleep that it would be what it needed to stop it. 
For some reason; my body thinks the 30-32 week mark is a great time to try and go into labor.  It happened at the same time in pregnancy with both of the boys: with Christopher (my first) I ended up going in twice and they were able to stop it by administering the T-shot (Terbutaline). Now - it being my first baby / pregnancy - I had NO idea ... I didn't even question it!  But since then and becoming more health conscious and aware ... I know that it is NOT something you want to be given.  Especially not for me (with a heart condition) as it has been known to cause serious side effects in that department.

Check out the link to the website HERE : which also includes a special warning about no longer administering it to prevent preterm labor. 

With Ryan I was in the hospital already for high-risk complications when I began experiencing preterm labor (I did NOT have an easy pregnancy with him like I am having with this little girl!)  and I honestly can't even remember what they did.  I want to say they DID end up administering the T-shot but ... it was such a whirlwind. We went to my high-risk doctor appointmentt 2 hours away and I ended up being admitted (unexpectedly) into the hospital and they were telling me they might be giving me shots to speed his growth because I might be delivering him early...  It was a crazy, CRAZY 36 hours. 

This time around, after knowing what I know now, I wanted to try to stop labor naturally.
I'd been feeling "off" for a couple days: headache and just in general under the weather (like I mentioned below in the first status update) and I thought it was the flu or something! I had noticed my Braxton Hicks Contractions increased in amount over the past couple of days but thought nothing of it. Then I experienced insomnia (which I've experienced in my third trimester before) for a couple of nights... but just thought it was normal! Then yesterday I woke up in the middle of the night shaky, nauseous, with a terrible TERRIBLE headache, and hot flashes. By yesterday afternoon / evening I didn't have a fever and hadn't been able to get much food down: thankfully my vegan shake mix came in the mail so I was at least able to drink that.  I decided to try to go to the pool just to float around and relax... when I was in the pool I started to actually notice that the contractions were a little.... stronger... than before.

After an hour I started to time them out of curiosity...25-30 minutes apart. So I went home, relaxed / lounged with the boys and watched Where The Red Fern Grows... but they kept coming. Not "painful" painful.. but just noticeable.  I also had some other unpleasant experiences as a result of the contractions ..... not going to share! haha. But ladies: you know what I'm talking about if you've ever had menstrual cramps: and you know what also goes along with cramping down there.... ick.
  I knew I needed to relax.  I put the boys to bed, took a bath, used some aromatherapy, played soothing music.  When they hit 9-12 minutes apart is when I got a little.... nervous. I called my mom and the Labor & Delivery who wanted me to drink some more water and if they hadn't stopped within the hour; the nurse said with my history I needed to come in. SO: I posted THIS status update: 

and .... this sounds funny but it's something I've learned to practice.... is I just asked my body what it needed.
(Yes. Hippie things).  
But think about it: the body is this genius, intricate supercomputer that knows exactly what it needs.  We just need to learn to turn off our mind sometimes (stop overthinking everything!) and just get in tune with it. I've done this before.... been doing this for about a year... and it usually works. 
In order for this method to work you're supposed to "meditate" and then go with whatever pops into your head first. Well... I don't know what they mean necessarily by meditate... I envision people sitting in a dark room with their legs crossed humming "ommm" ... but that's just me! haha. 
So for my version I relax (which involves hopping into the tub). I cleared my head and was like: ok. What do I need right now. and I went with the 3 things popped into my head: 
1.) sleep 
2.) venison snack stick 
3.) Tylenol / Benadryl . 

Honestly: I didn't even question it. 
I was like: ok. You got it chach.
So I got up, unthawed some of the venison sticks in my freezer that Rob had brought, ATE TWO (big deal considering everything all day made me nauseous) and - for whatever reason - I took Tylenol and Benadryl. Don't ask me.  I hate over-the-counter meds but at this point: I was going to try anything. 
Then I got some essential oils (camphor - always relaxes me) and rubbed it on my shoulders and nose. 
I laid back in bed and turned on my positive tunes playlist and put the music next to my belly (you know - so she could hear it and RELAX a little!) 
After 2 songs I felt her shift in my stomach. Just COMPLETELY change positions.  It was the weirdest feeling... but after that I felt so relaxed and I fell sound asleep.... and didn't wake up until 8 hours later.  Ryan must've came in and he was sleeping next to me with his hand on my belly. (he loves his sissy already! It's so, so so precious!)

Called the doc this morning and my appointment has been moved up from Friday; but I'm sure it's going to be the same as it was with the instructions with the boys for the rest of pregnancy:
-- relax
-- drink MORE fluids
-- relax
-- avoid stress
-- relax
.... so I think I can handle that! 
Yes it would be easier with someone here helping... but... such is life :)
Instead of focusing on what I DON'T have... I am very grateful for what I DO have.
It helps put things in perspective!  I know I talked about that in my other blog from the other day.
Despite everything I am actually very much at peace: with this pregnancy and in general.
I just have a very great sense of calm about everything.  It actually surprises me a little!

SO: thank you guys.  I will keep everyone posted!
And in the meantime trying natural methods to help calm down my apparently "cranky" uterus.
Things that worked for me in the past:
-- Red Raspberry Infusion 
and something I found on the Natural Birth Blog AND something two facebook friends shared with me: Cramp Bark Tincture. It's supposed to be very effective. 
Will keep you posted!
I am determined to cook this bun in the oven a little longer.

SPA-mazing - Rejuvenation at the Wellness Spa (Baby's First Spa Visit)

Today was my birthday.  I posted a blog on a little of what I did today as well as reflecting over how much things have changed in the past few years .... if you'd like to read it you can click here . 

Also: thank you to everyone who took the time out to wish me a Happy Birthday! 

I am so blessed by all of the kind words and wonderful people in my life.

THAT is the best birthday gift of all.

This afternoon I decided to call up a local spa: The Wellness Spa after going online to check out some of their services.  I know that over the past couple of years I have definitely neglected myself and my own needs.;  something I think happens all to often when we become parents and even more so when we are in an emotionally demanding relationship.

(if you aren't familiar with my background with marrying a Veteran with PTSD please read "The Monster in My Marriage" and "Why I Walked Away" where I shared a little bit of my story) 

What I didn't realize, at the time, was that taking time out for myself shouldn't have caused me anxiety or guilt.  In fact, it's actually paramount that you take care of yourself if you plan on being a contributing factor to a healthy, functioning relationship whether that's as a parent or significant other.

Now I'm not saying that you should justify spending excess money at the spa every month or just frivolously spending money on yourself; but maybe right now.... today.... just start up a little fund called the "ME FUND" that will completely be dedicated to you. Put extra money aside in there so you can spend it how you'd like: taking yourself to a hotel overnight so you can actually SLEEP IN (because let's face it: if you're a mom if those kids are anywhere near you, your spidey-mommy senses are on and you never fully hit the deep sleep that you seemed to hit pre-kids and you certainly won't be doing any sleeping in).  Or maybe you're like me and you unwind by getting an amazing massage.  Whatever you decide: you're worth it.  

Today I walked into The Wellness Spa and after I had a warm (leopard print) neck cozy placed around my neck, was ushered back through a relaxing atmosphere complete with soft lighting and serene music playing softly in the background.  The decor here is astounding: you really have to see it.  You would never know this gem of a place is nestled in an area that you would least expect it in Central Wisconsin.  All of the staff was smiling, friendly, and accomodating.  I walked into the pristine changing room that smelled fresh and aromatic.  Along the entry wall were small satchels organized by size where you could select your spa sandals and grab a soft robe from one of the wooden shelves.  

After selecting locker number 11, I donned the soft "Wellness Spa" robe and walked back out into the waiting area and then through two large wooden doors above which said simply in black, wrought-iron letters, "The Spa".  Pushing the doors open, I entered into a waiting area that had no less than six chaise-lounge chairs in a royal, cranberry print. A refreshments table sat at the back of the room where there was cucumber & lemon infused water available to drink out of wine glasses.  The water was delicious. I don't know if they add anything else to their water....but  MY infused water has never turned out like that!  Maybe it's a secret "Wellness Spa" recipe ;)

My first treatment today was called "Sole Serenity" that focused on the lower legs and feet.  A warm eye mask was placed over my eyes as my legs were exfoliated.  I do have to admit, though, that the foot massage I received prior to this one really did me in and set the bar as comparison to all future foot massages.  While this one was certainly relaxing and - don't get me wrong - felt amazing I missed the "toe pulling" stress-relief that I had never experienced prior to my last foot massage (and that has probably ruined me for all future massages!)  If you've had a really good experience with a massage therapist that used this technique: you know what I'm talking about.  Starting at the calf muscle and seemlessly massaging downwards through the sole of the foot and then seeming to pull the tension right out the top of each toe in one fluid movement. Oh..... just amazing.  

Next up was my prenatal massage: astounding.  I remembered something I had to learn before while at a massage elsewhere: to consciously relax.  Even today I caught myself still laying there on the massage table all tensed up.

Isn't it amazing that tension comes naturally but sometimes you actually have to make the decision to relax?  Slow the breathing.  

Relax the shoulders.

Let your jaw loose.

Release your eyebrows.

I chose rejuvenating grapefruit as the aromatherapy massage oil of choice.  (I could've picked lavendar.... but I wasn't feeling it today).  The specially curved prenatal massage pillow allowed me to lay face-down on the table; it accomodated my growing belly nicely and the massage therapist was able to work out an area of my lower back that has really been sore during this pregnancy. Just laying there today feeling the tension and stress leaving my body was SO worth it.  I relax that way.  I love massages.  Not only that, but I also think massage is a great addition to the health regimen because of all of it's amazing benefits and one that I'm going to be keeping up with regularly.... even if that means passing on some other activities so I can have extra money for my "Me Fund".

I look forward to going back.  I would LOVE to book a whole day at the spa before this baby gets here. (Which: by the way .... I CANNOT WAIT to find out if it's a boy or a girl!  GETTING SO CLOSE!  What do you think? I already have 2 boys and they want a sister.  Will they get their wish? Click here to vote!)    It would be fun to get a whole group of girls together and go to the spa. I would love that. So any ladies in the area: WHO'S INTERESTED?!   : ) We'll have to work this out. 

Here's the link to the website: and PS ... they have NEW SERVICES that aren't listed on the site and are only $20 as an add-on service now through the end of summer. CLICK HERE to see photos from today along with the summer specials / price list. They'll be listed under the gallery "Spa Day: The Wellness Spa" 

http://www.wellnesssparesort.com/

THANKS FOR READING! 

-Sara-