Want to hear an annoying story?

Here it goes.

It all started yesterday morning, I woke up feeling super crampy, nothing new.  My nights for the past 5 nights usually revolve around 1- 2 1/2 hours of contractions and they always let up.  My body is in full blow tease mode.  So, I shrugged it off, got the kiddos to school and ran a few errands.

Back at the house I had the urge to scrub the baseboards, vacuum underneath rugs and wash the dogs food bowls. It was a morning full of random nesting, and around 11:30 the contractions kicked into high gear.  OH the false alarms moved to the afternoon, simple as that, I thought.  But these babies were intense, so I figured I had two hours before I had to pick up Brody and I should walk the neighborhood to see if they keep up, or die off.

I raced (as fast as a 38 1/2 week preggers can race) up and down our neighborhood.  Stopping to breathe through the contractions, face twitching and moaning as quietly as I could before a neighbor would come out to check on me.  Around 1:30 I gave my doctors office a call, could hardly talk through them, and she said get ready to come in.

I’m super stubborn.  I know the drill of being sent home when they die off – so I decided to suck it up, take the risk and keep walking.  3:30 rolled around and the contractions were still coming – and yet the thought of organizing where the kids would go and such was just overwhelming, especially if it ended up being a dud.  At 5:00 the nurse told me that it would be best if I go in, because with the history of the boys, once I am over the hump of 3cm labor moves super swiftly.

I finally listened, picked Brody up from school and we packed everyone up.

Once hooked up at the hospital I started to worry, they were coming on strong, but my gosh, every nurse and every doctor has a different view on laboring and I just knew the fate was in their hands.

6:00

Well, wouldn’t you know those little boogers were coming on, and strong strong strong.  I’d like to say I have a fairly high pain tolerance.  Seeing as I passed a bucket of kidney stones with zero pain relievers.  So I just did my breathing, focused and grunted through them.  WALK THE HALLS, they were going to see if they would help me progress.  I was at 3cm, 80% effaced and I was thrilled!

I have never made it past 2 with the boys, nor really ever went into labor naturally (Brody was stressed, started with contractions that went away and eventually needed pitocin to jump start it – he was 4 days late).  I was so excited to see my body was actually doing it’s thang.

The hat was for shits and giggles – I told Dan to go grab a bite at the local bar while he had the chance.  90 minutes of walking I headed back to the room to ask how long they wanted me to walk for.  “30 minutes” they said.  Whoops.  Hooked back up to the monitors, little man was looking fantastic, contractions coming on strong — Dan and I literally fist pumped and just knew it was time.  Decided on a middle name and everything –

8:30/9:00

Doc comes in to check me again – still 3cm.  I wasn’t surprised that there was not progression.  Both boys were the same way.  The main doctor came in and explained how it was such a busy night, since I am not progressing they felt comfortable sending me home.  That there was no point staying in the bed.  He said if I was 39 weeks (2 more days) he would get the pitocin started and get the ball rolling.  Two days short, you guys! I wanted to cry.  I was scared to go home and progress rapidly in the middle of the night (my history is 5-10cm in 45 minutes) But I also know that every pregnancy is different.

SO. I asked if I could walk, one more hour — just to see.  As you can see I was a little over the fact that my body was acting like a child and every piece of the puzzle wasn’t falling in place….

At this point I was just bummed out.  I know the way my body works and I knew it wasn’t going to happen.  The doctor even said “You don’t look like someone in labor, you look good.  You’re not moaning or huffing and puffing”  By the way, that doctor checked me once, so I wanted to jump across the bed after 10 hours of laboring at this point.   Did I need to be screaming or crying or covered in sweat? I labor will purpose and work really hard to stay calm during contractions, I didn’t think that was a bad thing~

11:15

Final check.  Still 3cm.  NO progress.  That was it.  I cried, I tried so hard not too.  I guess it was just frustrating because the thought of it all dying down after all of that pain just bummed me out.  I was scared to come home, and today or tomorrow go through the same thing.  How would I know when the right time to come in? They say 2 hours at 5 minutes apart.  I had 10 hours at 2-3 minutes apart.  It just didn’t make sense.  I was pissed at my body, and the calendar, knowing that two more days would earn my ticket into a bed.

I cried while getting dressed.  I cried realizing that every food joint was closed at 12:15 at night.  I contracted the entire way home, while eating a strawberry poptart in bed, and all the way until 5am.

Then, they stopped.

Just like they said my body may do.

So.  While I sit here, exhausted and sore from running a marathon yesterday I have to trust that my body will do whats right.  All I pray for is that the little man is safe and healthy and not stressed out.  Sunday morning is only a few days away, and the doctor said it will more than likely be a rapid delivery since my body is doing all of this work prior.

Doing my best to kick up my feet the next few days, enjoying the rest and as uncomfortable as I am I just cannot wait to meet this little guy.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Heart Association for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Life Is Why

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association are putting out a simple yet profound question.

Everyone has a reason to live a healthier, longer life. What’s yours?

Directed toward me, as a mother, why do I want a healthier lifestyle for not only myself, but my family?  WHY do I aim for this goal and what do I do to make it happen?

It is such a steep question, because as any mother knows, the health and wellbeing of your children and family is always at the forefront of your mind.  As a mother, I know I am held highly responsible for the influence brought onto my children when it comes to a healthy lifestyle.  I take great pride in the fact that we have always stood behind a healthy lifestyle, and all in good balance.

You can read all about how the American Heart Association is helping everyone find their “why”, HERE.

For me, my family is why. I want us all to have the best life possible. One that we are thriving and healthy in.  One that we can enjoy and create memories together.  I want my boys to grow up in a house where they understand nutrition and exercise all in fine balance.  So that it is never an argument, only a natural life lesson that falls into place.

We always keep what the boys call “snack plates” on hand during the afternoon stretch after lunch and before dinner.  It always consists of cheese, a fruit or two, nuts, crackers etc.  Just healthy eats that their little hands can grab and go with.

Both Brody and Owen face their own health issues, and will continue to throughout their life.  These health issues are exactly why I do my best to give them the tools they need to understand how to live a healthy lifestyle.  Cooking from scratch has always played a big role in teaching my boys the importance of controlling what you consume. Teaching kids how to do everything in balance will create a much more well rounded eater.

There are simple improvements you can make to your daily life to aid in better heart and brain health for you and your family.   Reducing your sodium intake, do your best to cut out the extra sugary drinks.  Increase fruits and veggies and always implement physical activity.   It really truly is just that simple.

In our home, I have a deep love for implementing cooking into my kids daily life.  They help with meals around the clock, they see, smell and taste fresh ingredients.  Some they love, some they do not.  But cooking from scratch is our way of having a greater control over what is consumed in our home.

 Teaching them the basics of cooking and how to turn a few ingredients into an entire dish is an essential to ensure that they as adults will have the tools they need to create fresh food for themselves around the clock.  You will quickly start to see the pride they take in prepping the food that as a family, everyone eats and enjoys.

Check out the Moms Unite Moms Unite Facebook Group Facebook page for more inspiration.  I know I will do anything I can to create a healthy lifestyle for my family so that we can enjoy our years in the best health possible.  My boys, the hubby included mean the world to me, and any small steps we can take to make a huge impact on their lives I will do.

 Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily intake is much simpler than you imagine.  You can use this amazing guide from American Heart Association on Pinterest to see what is in season.  Looking at this chart made me want to get our garden started, so that we can have fresh ingredients on hand to influence the recipes we make on a daily basis.

On Pinterest, you can find it here.

At the same time with the amazing supply that grocery stores have these days, it is super simple to find these items year round.  And never forget the freezer section fellow mamas! We always have frozen peas, broccoli and butternut squash to add into pastas and rice.  Frozen fruit to toss into baked goods we make.  The options are endless, and there really is no excuse when it comes to implementing more fruits and veggies into our diet; we are very fortunate to have the produce at our finger tips year round.

We decided it was time to give our garden a jump start and the boys were thrilled to get it going!

Brody and Owen had a riot picking out their seed packets at the store.  Each explaining that what they pick out they have to try when it grows.  Which just warmed my heart – they are always willing to try new things and as most moms know, sometimes it takes introducing a new fruit/vegetable 10x until it sticks.  Just keep at it, they’ll learn to like it eventually.

Planting a garden is a great way to add such excitement to the fresh foods you implement into the diet of the ones you love.  Kids love keeping track and their growth, and harvesting what they have grown.  Nothing beats coming up with recipes on the spot with what you have in hand!

These little pots will be transported outside once the weather becomes more consistent for us.  See how easy it is to really influence your family to take on a healthier lifestyle?

Why not start now? What is your reason for living a healthier life? Share your “Why” on LifeIsWhy.org

Follow the American Heart Association on Pinterest, for loads of inspiration!

And for even more great tips join our Facebook community and visit us at lifeiswhy.org/moms/

This weather the past few days has been SO nice.  Nothing beats the windows open, short sleeves and the sun on your cheeks.  We’ve definitely been taking full advantage of it – getting outside as much as possible and trying to walk this baby out.  I have been oh so lucky to be experiencing false labor again and again – where I’m contracting like a mother, dilating ever so slightly- but staying at the same place the past week.

It is definitely emotionally and physically exhausting, especially when It’s not your first baby when you’re sole focus is relaxing and kicking up your feet.  Life goes on and errands need ran, kids need their schedules completed and sitting is hardly an option.   So I’m rolling with it as much as possible, trying not to whine Dan’s ears off and suck it up.

This little man sure is letting us know he’s ready to meet us!

Brody is finally on the mend after an entire week fighting off a random flu bug – I cannot stress enough the importance of washing hands.  Woo-wee.  He catches things SO easily.   Here are a few pictures from the weekend to hold you over until the baby spam takes over the blog! 🙂

The boys new saying is “let’s walk this baby out mom!” They are getting really excited to meet him, and all of this false labor crap definitely keeps them on their toes.  So I chased their butts around all weekend, walking until I felt like I may pop

But I didn’t.

Brody spotted the largest snake I have ever seen at the park the other day. As I was the encouraging mother with a loaf of bread pushing them closer to feed the geese, he so sweetly was like “Mom, wait, what’s that??”

Good eye Brody, good eye.

This string bean, killin’ me folks.  Killin’ me.

After a long walk in the park, Brody needed some down time ( still in recovery mode ) and Owen wanted to run around some more.  So, off we went onto our trail.

5 more sleeps or less until we get to meet their little brother.

Whose ready?!

The bump at the end of the road!

Holy cow you guys – 37 weeks already.  Pregnancy is such a tornado of time – 40 weeks is SO long to be pregnant.  Some weeks move at a snail’s pace, others are in turbo mode and you want to pump the brakes.  I am perfectly in between right now.  We have two weeks until we are induced (for medical reasons) at 39 weeks so it is so surreal that this next addition to our family will be here before the month closes out.

I cannot believe it’s nearing an end – mainly because from week 20-33 were spent being pretty sick (kidney stones and such) and I just wasn’t “in the mood.” Now, I feel heavenly in comparison to those dreadful weeks, and my nesting is in full gear.  I love that natural instinct that creeps out no where – that weird boost of energy that comes out of the blue the last few weeks where you feel the need to do everything and touch everything in your sight.  The nursery is 99% complete, the last piece is being delivered today and I am photographing it Tuesday, so FRIDAY will be the grand nursery reveal.

Wanna see this bump of mine? Let me tell you, at a smear of 5’1 – it’s belly to the max.  Straight out from the hips and leaves me waddling around like a morbidly obese penguin.

The stretch marks are out – unfortunately I am one of the many woman who cannot escape their destiny.  Every time I see them, the first few lines of this song plays in my head – Just the ones with Lupe in front of the window.

Hahaha.. you ladies with stretch marks know its funny.

I’m dreading the post baby belly – the wrinkles and the saggy old hag jello bag feeling.  BUT – when that sweet baby is resting on your chest, oh how suddenly you could just care completely less.  So on this 3rd round I’m going to do my best to embrace the change, and know that over time it all evens out.  Patience and giving the hubs a few cocktails before the clothes come off won’t hurt either. 🙂

Onto the questions – this will more than likely be my last, so enjoy!

weight gain: I love that I start out with weight.  What a classic chick – At 37 weeks I stand 25 pounds heavier.  Which is fantastic for me, as I’ve over shared already about my 50 pound weight gain with the boys.  So, 25 pounds feels just right and I’m sure a few more will add on in the impending weeks and that’s just fine.  It’s time to stop looking at the scale pull out the tub of ice cream at night.

comments: Oh I adore this question.  Mainly because I normally I run errands with the boys, while Dan is working so they just come in and out of my ears.  But, today, lord, today he was with me all day and heard the never-ending comments that stroll in.  It’s like when a woman is pregnant the general public feels a sense of entitlement to say whatever the hell they want.  It’s a real hoot.  Today –

• “Oh man, not a girl?? Ugh.”
• “Wow, you’re ready to pop huh?”
•  “Sons visit their mothers when your old, so your very lucky”
•  “You must walk a lot, your skinny everywhere else besides your belly.  Wow, good job”
• ” 3 boys? … (pauses with pure hesitation) ….that’s so nice”

fears: the fear factor always kicks up 100 notches when your this close to delivery.  Healthy baby, safe delivery – those are my top two priorities.  I know coming home and the chaos that will be when we are all adjusting will all work itself out.  Our new normal will be just that, new, and become our normal.  Random fears – mainly around delivery.  Will I go into labor randomly? Will I be showered/shaved (forget the lady bits, you guys it would be like handing a razor to Ray Charles in the shower) Will I tear? Will I poop on the table? Will I need an epidural? HA.  you guys get it, your mind races with the questions when your days away from a huge moment in your life.

sleep: I should have smacked my 28 week self when I said the insomnia was setting in.  Apparently in my eyes staying up later and peeing once a night qualified.  Oh what a joke.  Now I stay up late, way late, and am up being at least 4-5 times, and usually wide awake in the wee hours tossing and turning to ease the pelvic pain I get at night.  So sleep is non existent, obviously my maternal instinct coming in and getting me ready for the following year of my life.  This isn’t our first time around the block, so those random comments about the lack of sleep, ya’ll I get it.  And it’s okay.  It’s just another piece of the motherly puzzle you grow accustomed too.

looking forward to: Insert the tears now.  I just cannot wait to see his sweet little face and kiss him up.  I can’t wait to see Dan hold his 3rd son.  And more than anything his brothers meeting him for the first time – People keep mentioning they may be jealous or have a hard time when he comes and I just want to laugh.  Of course it will be a transition – but I can hardly put into words how excited they are to meet him, and I cannot see an ounce of that coming from their pores.  So I push away those comments, because why insert negativity when we feel nothing short of love and joy surrounding this babe.

whats grossing me out: not much these days, thankfully. I think since my appetite is finally up that foods that would give me the yuck factor I just jump over that hurdle and just put it in my mouth.

random thoughts: Will he be bald like Brody was? And the size of a line backer like B was when he came out? Or will he have a tall standing mo-hawk like Owen did? That strawberry pretzel desert sounds delicious right now. Will the nurses give me a hard time about not nursing? How long can I go without an epidural this time? I wish I never would have discovered dipping strawberries into raw sugar – holy addiction, holy cravings, holy goodness.

37 weeks.  Not the easiest pregnancy, but we cannot wait to meet you sweet boy.  You are going to love your brothers SO much.  Your dad and I may not be perfect, but we will be the best parents we can for you.  We’re pretty cool in general, and I think you’ll love being a part of our family.

Yesterday was a big day for Brody.

He had his annual procedure, a colonoscopy, to check out the progress of his ulcerative colitis. If you are not familiar with the disease, you can read a bit about it here. If you have been a long time reader, you’ve been with us since the beginning of his diagnosis, it has been such a roller coaster figuring out this disease.  He has great months, he has bad months.  We really never know the challenges will arise, they truly come out of the blue.

You can play catch up and read all about his diagnosis and the road since –

here. here.  here.  here.

It’s always nerve wrecking going into these procedures, because with colitis, he does not necessarily show physical “outward” symptoms that will allow us to know when he is flaring.  This past year he’s missed a ton of time at school – He’s caught c-diff, he’s had the flu which both had a domino affect into having his relapse.  It takes time, and plenty of medicine to get his body back on track, and is so painful and exhausting for him.

The day before, aka, “prep day” is just plain awful to watch him go through. Anyone who has had a colonoscopy knows that the day before is the worse part of the entire experience.  We had lots and lots of tears, and counting down the minutes until he did not have to consistently drink his medicine to “flush him out”.  OY.

We work with AMAZING doctors through Rainbow Babies, and they are always right by his side.  Yesterday, prior to him getting the procedure went a lot smoother than previous years.  He didn’t cry, he kept such a positive attitude … ugh, it really tugged at my heart.  Just seeing how much older he is getting, and how he’s handling troubling situations differently is a true testament to what a great kid he is.  Of course, we as his parents know this of him, and when doctors and nurses point out how polite and mature he acts just makes me so proud.

He came out of the procedure bright-eyed and dazed, his big blue eyes have always been a show stopper, and the nurses kept telling him he could blink.  I laughed and told them he is always wide-eyed.

After speaking with his doctors, we learned that they found more ulcers.  We really didn’t anticipate anything being found because he has been symptom free since Christmas time.  We were bummed, but we have to await the biopsy to see how mild it is.  They said it appeared mild, and completely night and day to his previous scope.

We are so happy that so far, he does not have to do steroids (thank god!) and they only have to strengthen his current medicine.   We will know more next week with the biopsy results, so until then we just think happy thoughts!

With each passing year Brody is definitely beginning to understand that his belly is different from others around him.  We try our best not to dive too far into the details really – because we have no idea what the future holds for his condition we figure it is best not to borrow any worries and take it day by day.

He was thrilled to get to go home right away (last time our procedure was followed by a week-long stay).  We proudly wheeled sleepy-eyed Brody to the car and got him home.  There are no words to describe the love we have for this boy, and as parents how much we want to protect him and keep him at his absolute best.

We are all learning to cope with his diagnosis.  It plays a role in our daily life, whether he is in good health or poor.  We are constantly advocating for him – and while it is definitely a disease that many do not understand we do our best to keep him feeling his best and as normal as can be.

Raising boys, you hear the word “tough” a lot.  Parents can be so focused on their son being the tough one, in athletics, in groups with peers and such.  We take the tough definition in an entirely different direction.  He has gone through so much these past few years – and always comes out stronger and happier – that is TOUGH.

Yesterday was such an excellent example as to how even as Brody grows older he will handle this diagnosis with great strength, even at 7 years old his spirit and will power is just beyond measure.

With only 4 weeks until I am induced, I find myself on a daily basis picking up things for the babe.  What we’ve grabbed so far, what I’ve grabbed over the past week – each time I feel like “I’m set” and then something else pops up!

Babies need a lot of stuff! Made a quick collage of my favorite items we’ve gotten thus far, and at the end of this post are a few new additions for his nursery. For those that are expecting, start building your registry now.  The earlier the better, items change sure, but you can always go in and remove and replace as the months pass.

If all you see are dollar signs, don’t worry, me too.  Woo-wee who would have thought these teeny tiny humans could need so much stuff?! Needless to say, we feel very blessed to be having a 3rd child, and “spoiling” this little guy is just a natural response.  YOLO.

(Top – left to right all the way down)

Monitors: 

Diaper Bag:

Rosie Pope Burp Cloth On SALE marked down even further now!: 

Window Shade:

Baby Bjorn Bouncer: I adore this bouncer, sure, it’s a little pricey, but having a lightweight bouncer to carry around room to room while the boys play or I shower will be an absolute essential.  

MamaRoo Bouncer: We also bought the infant insert HERE:

  Avent Bottles: We have used Dr. Browns in the past, and Tommy Tippee – Dr. Browns drove me crazy with all of the pieces, rumor has it these Avent bottles work great with colic and zero additional pieces! 

Honest: I used Johnson + Johnson with Brody – and started switching to Honest with Owen.  My boys have super sensitive skin, and I just love having the knowledge of what is really put into the products we are using.  Safe for us all.  My favorites: Shampoo + Body Wash Healing Balm: Bubble Bath :  You can stretch your bundle time line out, so things are delivered every 8 weeks if need be.  We plan to use their Honest Organic Formula with the newest addition, and bundling the formula and having it delivered will be so handy! 

Boppy Naked Pillow:

4Moms Play yard:

4Moms Tub:

Head Support:

Grass :   Loved these Boon bottle racks with the boys, this time snagged 2! 

Stroller : Car Seat:

Swaddles: these are large and lightweight, perfect for summer time.

So, if you are expecting, these are just a few of my recommendations.  But as any new mama or seasoned mama will realize, do what works for you.  You’ll find products you hate that others love and vise versa.  Building a registry is SO much fun – and surely takes the weight off of your pockets.  Of course we are missing a ton of things here, high chair, play toys, play mats etc, but with this being our 3rd we plan to buy them as he needs them.

A few fun extras I picked up for the nursery this week ::

 woven wall art:  pillowfort bookshelf: mirror 

What are some of your baby must haves? It’s so hard not to pick up everything – always keeping in mind how fast they grow out of things.  So these pieces are definitely some of my essentials that I know will stretch us through his first year.