Hey guys! It’s been a while since I’ve posted but with good reason. If you’re following me on social media then you already know the big news. My family and I will be welcoming baby #3 in November!
Pregnancy So Far
Since earlier this year I’ve been extremely sick. I had the worst bout with “morning” sickness lasting all day and night. Honestly, whoever came up with that name for it is a fool! I also had really bad migraines, fatigue and dizziness to add to the party. I had to turn down so many amazing events and photo shoots which really sucked (for lack of better words). Most of my days from February up until 2 weeks ago have been in bed.
Lupus & Pregnancy
I’m still waiting on official confirmation as to whether I will be high risk this pregnancy as I was with Logan. As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2010. I’ve been med free for almost 7 years and I have been in remission for almost 5 years. Some of the complications that can occur during a lupus pregnancy are increased risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and pre-eclampsia, as well as heart problems in the baby. I had a small scare during my last delivery where my blood pressure dropped & I had some trouble breathing. Then we had a scare with Logan during delivery which required more testing but everything turned out fine thank God.
How Far Along Are You?
Well, I’m currently 19 weeks and dare I say it? I’m feeling so much better! Other than some crazy food aversions & minor nausea, I’m actually able to eat now! Fatigue hits me in waves just as one would expect. I’ve just started doing Prenatal Barre sessions which I LOVE! Think of prenatal barre as a combination of pilates, ballet, yoga and strength training with very little to no equipment.
Another workout plan I’ve started is the Pregnancy Project with Tracey Anderson. Have you heard of the Tracey Anderson Method? Tracee Ellis Ross posts about it on her Instagram often so I decided to check her out as well. I linked both prenatal workout DVDs to my Amazon Store! I’m working to tone my arms and legs while strengthening my core. A strong core is essential for a healthy pregnancy/delivery but also postpartum recovery. Trust me, it really does make a difference!
I’ve also been perusing YouTube and found a ton of prenatal fitness channels. My favorite so far is BodyFit by Amy. I did a prenatal cardio workout with her and let me tell you….I FELT IT the next day. Not in a bad way though..more like it hurts so good kind of way! I have been making it a point to pace myself & only workout when my body feels up for it. If not then I focus on low impact activities like prenatal yoga and walking. Between life responsibilities, blogging and my nutrition studies, I’m really having to take things slow and as they come.
How Are The Kids Taking The Baby News?
Luc has taken the news of another brother or sister quite funny to say the least. First, he told us “no more babies”. Then he was adamant that his baby brother was the only baby. Now he says that the baby is a “baby pirate” and he is going to play pirate ship with him/her when the time comes.
Logan was unbothered at first but now we’re noticing he’s starting to crave more affection. We just (especially me) make sure we are conscious of it and give him as much 1 on 1 quality time and affection as he craves. I’m soaking up all of his hugs and kisses he’s been giving lately!
Check out our gender reveal below!
https://instagram.com/p/BmJvKILHzKg/
Vegan & Pregnant? How’s That Going?
This is actually my 2nd pregnancy following a plant-based lifestyle. Last pregnancy, I had a slice of pizza at work (teacher perks!). I got so sick and wound up in the ER for dehydration from vomiting so much. Unless it’s plant-based pizza it will not come near me or my mouth! I cut out all plant-based meat substitutes just before I found out I was pregnant with baby #3. Now they’re part of my food aversions and I can’t even take the smell of them. 
Click photo for recipe!
My FAVORITE cold-pressed juice. Click photo for the recipe!
This smoothie fills me up big time! Click photo for recipe!I’ve been craving loads of fruits and veggies so I’m not having any issues staying nourished one bit. Roasted broccoli is my FAVE. Watermelon saved my life during my 1st trimester. It really curved my nausea at times! I would say I’m becoming more creative in the kitchen with meals, juices and smoothies. I am also eating more frequent meals and juicing a hell of a lot more. My iron and vitamin D levels were extremely low this time around. Supplements had a huge roll in getting me back on track! I’ll share exactly what supplements I’ve been taking in a separate post.
What Have You Learned 3rd Time Around? Any Advice for Other Mamas?
If there’s one thing I learned this pregnancy is to slow down and listen to my body. The only thing that would help is for me to stay in bed and rest. Sounds like heaven huh? I’ll be the 1st to tell you, easier said than done. With a breastfeeding toddler (currently weaning) at home with me & an energetic preschooler I had my hands, plate and schedule super full. I thank God for my husband and the boys’ godmother. Dismissal pick-ups, cooking, cleaning and running errands have not been on my plate for a bit which has been a HUGE help! Both of my parents are now living out-of-state so it’s been an adjustment for all of us.
One piece of advice I would give to other women and moms: learn how to ask for and accept help. Having a village really is one of the best things you can do. I have my offline village and my online village of moms. Whether it be for advice or just to vent, it really helps to have some people in your corner who just get it! This has been mentally, emotionally and physically a huge relief for me!
What To Expect While I’m Expecting?
I’ve been noticeably absent from blogging and pretty quiet on social media. It’s just been a crazy time y’all. Be on the lookout for more blog posts and some special video projects I’ve been working on behind the scenes in the coming weeks. I have a very special series coming up that I know you guys are going to love! I’m still in school for holistic nutrition and hope to complete everything before baby arrives this Fall. Afterwards, I’ll be pursuing more field experience and board certification.
November will be here before you know it so I’m soaking up every minute of this last pregnancy and my guys while they’re still little. Life is about to get REAL with 3 little ones but we wouldn’t change it for the world! Our family is truly blessed!
