9 Thoughts As I Come To The End Of My Third Pregnancy
I am almost done.
At the end of the week I will have my baby girl in my arms. It is surreal, terrifying, elating and all consuming. Being pregnant at this age was not nearly as hard as I thought it would be but it was completely different. I am not sure of it has to do with my age, body, or the fact that this is a different gender that I’m carrying but oh man–there was SO much new.
Having help is key
The boys have been such an awesome help during the past 9 months. They do the simplest of things but those little things add up to a BIG deal. They were always there to get Mom her ice water (a serious obsession of mine all pregnancy long), iced tea, snacks, blanket, help me off the couch, and so much more. I also took the time to teach my nine year old how to scramble eggs, make sausage and use the toaster for waffles and toast. Since he already makes his own cereal, making breakfast in the morning for him and his brother was a total breeze.
Food was not an issue
Things never really improved from the very hard first trimester, the nausea went away, but the appetite never quite came back. I’d find myself eating because I had to, not because I wanted to. The hours would just pass by and I’d eat just for eating sake. Grapes were my best friend because it was the only food that didn’t make me feel gross afterwards! It is a super weird feeling not being a hungry pregnant woman, especially when everything you see LOOKS really good.
Exercise was a positive factor
Up until 33 weeks, I was exercising at least twice a week, sometimes more! This a huge departure from my other pregnancies, but man did it make a difference. The gym is my happy place as you know so being there and doing a lowkey version of what I normally do helped me to feel like myself–plus it helped a TON with my sleep. My sciatica started to be too painful to walk and do basic things around 33 weeks so I stopped everything.
Travel was a breeze
With both of the boys I never went anywhere but work and home. With THIS girl?! I’ve been to California, Orlando, The Bahamas, and Atlanta (at 35 weeks pregnant to visit a family member in the hospital). Traveling while pregnant was not as hard as I would have expected it to be and I was thankful I was able to do it.
The girl is a mover
If you hang out with me on Instagram, you make have seen some of my daily stories of how much this girl moves on a daily basis. She is always kicking and rolling. She’ll be quiet and when she hears her dad, boom fiesta! Or sometimes she’ll be moving for no reason at all. It’s been insanely fun to watch and FEEL and I’ll be honest, I’m going to miss it. A lot.
Enjoyed every moment
With my previous two pregnancies, it felt like another box to check off in life. Find soulmate, get married, get high powered job, purchase home and of course, have babies. I had my eldest 13 months after I was married, and his brother almost 3 years later. My twenties felt like I was foundation building.
With this pregnancy, things are dramatically different. The foundation has been laid. I am working for myself. I have the choice of napping all day or working hard. Time has slowed down tremendously and I was able to savor every part about being with child. I wasn’t distracted by getting up everyday, getting on the train, dealing with corporate things, then running home. I was able to take things slow and enjoy being a person in charge of creating a new person. I enjoyed this pregnancy in a brand new way. For that, I am grateful.
It's been a not so wild ride but I am excited to get off and move on to the next chapter! --> 9 Thoughts As I Come To The End Of My Third #Pregnancy #blackmoms #momblog #thirdtrimesterThe support of friends and family
Pregnancy can be isolating at times. Let’s just be honest, some people don’t know how or want to be there for you during these 9 months. However, since this pregnancy is so far apart from the last one that I have so many new and awesome people in my life. Those that check in on me daily, send love when my spirits are low, hug me, send me presents literally from across the world, and generally take care of me–really helped me thrive.
Physical Woes Are Real
The final weeks have been tough. As a person who is active, it’s been really hard to put the brakes on when I am so used to DOING things pretty much everyday. I have been turning down 95% of the events I’ve been invited to (hello, some REALLY good ones), because the THOUGHT of getting on a subway makes me want to cry. I miss the gym. I miss running. I have tons of FOMO at my friends getting ready to run the marathon on Sunday. I miss a good sweat. I miss being able to run up the stairs of my house to get something. The things that I am so accustomed to doing, have all come to a screeching halt. Now that the end is near, I am SO looking forward to having my body back in a couple of weeks as a new mom of THREE! (omg)
**I’ll still be around here and there, but will likely be making the big announcement of her entrance into this world on Social Media before I can gather myself to write here. Be sure to come and hang with me on Instagram (especially my stories), Facebook, and Twitter for the baby news**
Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!
Get comfortable and be sure to come hang out with me on social. Don’t forget to grab your free fitness journal before you go!
I can’t wait to “meet” your baby girl! You did such a good job staying active this pregnancy!!
We can’t wait to meet her all of your internet aunties lol
Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl (saw your Insta!)!! That’s amazing that you were able to enjoy this pregnancy more. I LOVE that photo of you with your boys! I bet they are already amazing helpers with their baby sister.