Third Time Around | B3 Week 28

My motivation to write about pregnancy has been dwindling and I was starting to doubt that I would finish this post. For the sake of tradition, I wanted to write a "threequel" to the "Second Time Around" post from two years ago (my pregnancy with W).

Some details have been different in this pregnancy but much has been the same.

Mostly I haven't had much time to think about and plan for this baby! With the "big brothers" now 2- and 4-years-old, they seem to take up most of my brain space. I think we're okay though. All of the baby clothes are in storage, some newly washed and some not, and the baby "things" are still around too. Baby even got a couple new things - I may share more on that later.

All I need to do is order newborn diapers in a couple months and we should be set, right? I feel so out of touch with all that goes into newborn life.

So what's been different with my third pregnancy?

Belly Size: The Insta-Bump

This third pregnancy has felt like I had a "bump" by the time 10 weeks rolled around. It was a little embarrassing but the body seems to remember "pregnancy mode" and jumps into position faster with each subsequent pregnancy. It was a relief to finally be in the "it's okay to show now" phase of pregnancy so I could feel less self-conscious about showing so early.

While B2 measured 3 to 6 weeks ahead for the whole pregnancy, B3 has been right on each week. I weigh less than I did with both of the boys but the actual amount of weight gain itself has been nearly identical. Each child seems to take more energy out of me! And I suppose the three marathons last year affected my weight too.


Activity Level: Yes

The activity level in this house has definitely increased since last time yet so has the freedom. Now that the boys are bigger, they can play outside while I wash floors or scrub toilets, etc (like today, oh joy!). The days with a 2- and 4-year-old are highly entertaining, sometime emotionally exhausting but mostly joyful. If the kids both nap, I try to put my feet up and drink water when I can. Honestly I love having the boys at this age!

Our days are more structured now that E is doing preschool at home and that has been great for all of us. It keeps both boys busy and I can sit down potentially finishing my coffee while we work. Not today, but some days I even finish the whole cup.


Prenatal Care: We love our midwife!

I'm so thankful to be working with our midwife again! She was amazing with B2's pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care. We are really comfortable with her and she's great with the kiddos too.

I love that she isn't annoyed by random questions via text. This baby has had frequent hiccups and, though the question seemed silly, she reassured me that it's actually a great sign right now. Whew! Google is not helpful with baby questions (tends to cause unnecessary worry) but our midwife is always helpful :)

Having a homebirth/waterbirth last time was an amazing experience and I pray that we are able to have another smooth birth at 37+ weeks again. Baby is head down and that's one (small) step in the right direction.


Hydration: Drink, Drink, Drink

Staying hydrated is a big focus again to prevent a UTI or preterm labor like I experienced with B1's pregnancy. It worked well last time and I hope to keep up again with this pregnancy. Water gets boring so, when I'm feeling crazy, I will drink grape juice. Bring on the grape juice!

Prenatal Fitness: This & That

The amount of mileage/days I run has decreased with each pregnancy and the balance I'm at now feels just right. With more active days it makes sense to cut down on exercise and make more time for stretching and recovery. Running is still feeling comfortable though my pace is a slow jog. Relentless forward motion!

I usually run three days a week for about 3 miles and do a yoga video twice a week. Any running I do happens in the early morning before everyone wakes up because I can't handle the heat! This has been my first all-summer-long pregnancy and I'm really enjoying the cool summer mornings. Saul likes them better, too.


Emotions: Thankful, Excited, Impatient

I feel so thankful to have our third baby on the way and very excited to welcome him or her into the family. Plus, I'm really curious (more like anxious) to see how the boys handle the new baby. Biggest brother E will likely be a big helper for me. Littlest big brother W on the other hand... he still seems like he's a baby to me! He has been carrying around a toy baby and saying "Awww, baby!", so maybe he'll be just fine.


Time has flown since February when I first saw the two pink lines yet I'm still feeling impatient in this last trimester. With it being harvest time and my belly growing bigger seemingly by the day, this feels like a time to just persevere.

Yet I want to live each day with a heart of thankfulness and contentment. The kids will only ever be this age once and, once this baby is out, he/she is out for good!

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm‬ ‭90:12.

B3 Pregnancy: Week 28 Wrap-Up

Baby is an EGGPLANT this week and weighing in at approximately 2.20 lbs. I believe it. Simple things such as painting my toenails, bending over to tie shoes and finding tops to fit are becoming a little more complicated. It's definitely the third trimester!

Our little one has the hiccups at least once a day and it's pretty cute. I like being able to guesstimate how he or she is laying in my belly. After the major flip session a week or two ago, baby seems to be staying head-down (hopefully for good).


MONDAY: 

3 mile early morning run with the pup on the gravel roads. The kids and I went to the park in the morning and the pool in the afternoon to make the most of the sunny, warm days.

TUESDAY: 

Ekhart Vinyasa Yoga Flow (17:55)

WEDNESDAY: 

3 mile run on this drizzly, humid morning. The rain was welcomed, as it's been a very dry year around here.

THURSDAY

Ekhart Runner's Yoga (25:29)

FRIDAY:

3 mile morning run with trusty ole Saul in the fog. After that drizzly Wednesday, the fog has been hanging around in the mornings.

SATURDAY:

Power cleaning the house, a grocery walk and gardening with the little boys.


SUNDAY:

Off

What have you been up to this week?
Moms, what were your favorite or not-so-favorite parts of pregnancy?



Linking up with Holly and Tricia's Weekly Wrap Up.

Hitting the Trails with Under Armour | UA Horizon RTT Review

Disclaimer: I received Under Armour Horizon RTT trail shoes to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Trail running was my first taste of the marathon world, it's really what got me hooked. I love the varying terrain, the peace and quiet, and running free in God's creation. The trail feels like home to me!

2011: Aid station at my second trail marathon. They even served cookies & pretzels!

While I haven't ran in true trail running shoes in years (mostly because I prefer stroller running on pavement), my love for the trails was rekindled when, as a BibRave Pro, I received these Under Armour Horizon RTT trail running shoes.


The Horizon RTT's offer a strong sole that can withstand tough, rocky terrain with a high traction rubber lug outsole that provides dependable traction wherever you run. Whether it's a mix of trail and road or wild, rocky paths in the woods, these lugs dig in to give you more grip than regular running shoes.

I look forward to trying these on the ice and snow (minus the cold weather part). With that kind of traction, I may not even need my Yaktrax on every run!


After logging quite a few miles in my Horizon RTT's, I most appreciate their breathability and the protective outer part of the shoe. Dirt and rocks weren't able to sneak into my shoe while on the trail and yet my feet weren't suffocating either. Breathability + Durability.

Overall, I am very pleased with the Under Armour Horizon RTT trail running shoe. They are the most comfortable trail running shoes I have ever owned and are still durable enough for the toughest trails or just on my short little country jaunts lately.


If the trail running bug has bit you, sign up for the UA Mountain Running Series Killington and Copper Mountain coming up August 18 & 19 and September 9, respectively, using discount code "BIBRAVE40" to save 40%.

Even better, race the series in your own pair of Under Armour's Horizon RTT trail running shoes! They retail for $109.99 and come in a variety of colors. Check them out UnderArmour.com.


B3 Pregnancy: Week 27 Wrap-Up

Baby "Rocket" is currently the size of LETTUCE and rolling and kicking is his/her favorite past time. The flipping and rolling caused some extra Braxton Hicks contractions this week, so I've been trying to drink more water and rest a little extra to err on the side of caution.

Per our visit with the midwife on Monday, all is going well and baby is measuring right on 27 weeks. Hello, third trimester!


MONDAY: 

3 mile run with our dog.

TUESDAY: 

Ekhart Yoga's Runners Yoga video (25:28). I'm trying to make yoga more of a regular thing again. I feel so much better when I do!

WEDNESDAY: 

3 mile run on the country roads with our dog again.

THURSDAY

Ekhart Yoga's Vinyasa Yoga Flow (17:55). Yoga day 2 this week!

FRIDAY:

3 mile early morning run with the dog. The mornings have been dark and cool - perfect running conditions for Saul and me! We are hosting family from Thursday through Monday, so the days have been extra fun and busy.


SATURDAY:

Walks with the kids and visiting with our out-of-state family/guests. The days have felt long this week and I'm doing my best to rest when I can.

SUNDAY:

Rest day & more visiting!

Do you prefer the road or the trails?



Linking up with Holly and Tricia's Weekly Wrap Up.

Bold Activewear with Jill Yoga

Life with small children is active to stay the least and comfortable clothes are a must. Make it stylish and that's an extra bonus!

Yoga pants or running shorts are my regular wardrobe components for practical reasons but I also don't want to look like a slob. What can I say, a girl appreciates cute clothing! I was sent a vibrant activewear outfit from Jill Yoga to review and their clothing is anything but blasé.

Jill Yoga's mission is to promote confidence and healthy active living - Be Active, Be Bold, Be You.


The Ladies' Seamless Quarter Zip is a brightly colored top made of a very comfy, breathable material with long sleeves and thumbhole detail. I wear this long-sleeve for casual non-workout days as well as when I'm out on a run.

Even with a 6-month-pregnant belly (pictured below), this quarter zip does the trick. The thumbholes and plenty of length in the torso are my favorite aspects.


Though the days are still hot here, on the chilly early mornings I am wearing Jill Yoga's Retro Capri Leggings. I love the retro style! It's a nice change from the typical black leggings and capris that I'm used to.


I also received the Ladies' Yoga Shorts with a "galaxy print" pattern that work nicely for just lounging around the house on a hot day or wearing as an under layer with dresses or loose shorts. I'm okay with this pattern but the plain black yoga shorts would be a better fit for me - definitely perfect for running days!


The Jill Yoga quarter zip long-sleeve retails at $45 (CAD), retro capri leggings at $45 (CAD) and yoga shorts are $35 (CAD). Check out more clothing items and shop online at http://us.jillyoga.com!

I received these clothing items from Jill Yoga in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.