Everyone always says that the last month lasts like 3 years…. I would have agreed with my first 2 pregnancies… but this one? No way. Time is flying and I can’t seem to slow it down.

I am still in shock that this growing belly of mine is actually producing another child that I, Abby, myself, is going to have to care for. Between the 2 other boys, leading the team, and trying to find time to do things that light me up still… I haven’t had much down time to reflect on what is ACTUALLY HAPPENING!

So here I am, sitting on my bouncy ball at 11pm, 1 week before due date finally reflecting on this past month. Here is what I have been loving and it’s all very random so just bare with me:

1. Acupuncture. WOW why have I not discovered this like 10 years ago?! It’s like I go into this magical place and meet with a women who casts a spell on me, sticks some needles in odd spots and I get to take an immediate nap. I have only wonderful things to say about my experience with acupuncture not only for progressing my pregnancy but also simply getting some relaxation time and helping with discomfort. If you are local and need a referral, hit me up.
2. Journaling. If I can’t sleep or just need to brain dump… my journal is always my go-to. I use it for everything… manifesting my birth, goal creation, daily reflection, if I need to vent it out…. all the things live in my journal and I cannot recommend this enough. It gets you out of your head. I also encourage you to read your journals back to your self. Out LOUD helps 🙂 It gives you a new perspective on what is really going on inside that head of yours.
3. My standing desk at the office. I spend a TON of time in front of a computer. Having the ability to adjust and move my body around while I am working has been so helpful. This is the one I have.
4. HARD//KLL Chocolate Protein. I’ll be honest, I am easily influenced. I follow a gal on Instagram that I do pretty much everything she says. HA. The power of sharing your whole self on social I guess. Anyway, she created this amazing protein powder with Organifi and it’s literally like drinking a chocolate milk shake. I am well aware of the importance of getting my protein in and this was just the extra thing I was looking for to help me…. especially in these final days of pregnancy and heading into postpartum. Linking it HERE. It’s pricy… but it’s so good and worth it for my mental and physical health.
5. The book, “THE IDEAL TEAM PLAYER.” Patrick Lencioni. Oldie but goodie. As I am growing as a leader of my own personal team… books are crucial and this is a classic that everyone can benefit from.
6. Evernote…. my ongoing TO-DO list APP! It’s the perfect way to organize all my thoughts and it’s all kept in one spot! I use it for work and personal life. You can make checklists and categorize into different folders. My ADD LOVES THIS. There is a free version and a “pro” version. I pay for the pro version because my notes sync across all my devices then.
7. Nature walks. Simple but crucial. Anytime my kids are driving me crazy or I’m driving myself crazy, you know it’s time to get outside. If you’re like me… you have your favorite spots. IF you need more ideas and you’re local… check out my favorite spots in this blog I wrote!
8. The VOICE. I love this show. The boys love it too. We practice singing the songs and pretend we are auditioning during the commercials! It’s so rare that we have to sit through commercials and it’s nostalgic because I can remember doing silly things on commercial breaks when I was growing up too. OR it was chores…. “QUICK change the laundry… DO the dishes before the show comes back on!” Anyone else miss commercial breaks?
9. My health-care coop. It’s like our insurance but it’s not technically insurance. It’s called Knew Health. We all know how expensive it is to have a baby in our country…. and being self employed.. there are NOT a lot of great insurance options out there. BUT because I am doing a home birth this time around…. and yes I will be writing a whole blog on my experience with this… the medical coop that we joined last year covers up to half of those costs! I’ll break down all the numbers on another blog… but let’s just say I’m paying a quarter of the price I paid for my last pregnancy. If you are interested in this, I am happy to share all the numbers and details.
10. Kids Orgain Shakes. My boys fight to the death over these. They are the perfect, healthy, grab-and-go shake that actually tastes super yummy. I love knowing that they are getting their protein in too. Especially now that our pickiest eater has to bring a lunch to 4k, 3 times/week. Knowing that he probably wont eat whatever I pack… at least I know he will be drinking that chocolate protein shake. HA! Please send me all the tips on what you put in kids lunch box for PICKY eaters!! I need all the help I can get.

Well that’s all for now. I’ll have a new list for postpartum season. Can’t wait to meet my new little guy and share his birthing story with you all!

Cheers,

Abby