Hi Parents! Trimester 3

I am now in my third trimester for those of you that don't know. I always forget how large a woman gets when she is more than 30 weeks pregnant. I am finding that lifting my two girls is a bit more challenging than it was a few short weeks ago. Nonetheless, I am surprised I still have the energy I need to get through the day. My girls are becoming increasingly aware of my growing belly, with Hannah taking great fun simply kissing my belly and rubbing it now and again. I haven't decided if Kayla is really aware she is going to be a big sister yet, we'll see.

I've started the typical water retention and bloating syndrome as I like to refer to it, that usually hits me third trimester. For those of you that haven't been there before, here are my top strategies for relieving water retention during late pregnancy:

• Try a pair of support stockings. They make your legs feel great, even if they are a bit challenging to put on. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning. Just hurl your leg into the air and pop 'em on. They also help with varicose veins. Trust me, wearing them is like having a tiny massage parlor attend to my legs all day. Much better than going without.

• Drink more water than you think you need. I generally suggesting drinking one or two glasses above what you think you need. Yes, you will have to pee a lot. But it's better than looking like the stay puff marshmallow woman.

• Try a cup of tea in the morning to help beat bloating, but watch your caffeine intake! Remember that beverages with caffeine can be dehydrating. While they initially may help with water retention, utlimately if you don't replace the water you lose you'll bloat again.

• Avoid fizzy drinks and soda's. Believe it or not the carbonation can result in bloating and water weight gain.

• Elevate your legs when possible during the day.

• Exercise when you can.

That last one is very important. I know its tough to think about exercising around this time, but exercise is still an important part of your health routine, and I promise will help with fatigue and bloating. Even if you manage to get out and simply walk around the block, you are doing your body a great deal of good!

SHARE YOUR STORY!

I am looking for parents of other closely spaced babies, toddlers, tweens and teens to share their story for an upcoming guide! Please visit me at http://www.closelyspacedkids.com/contactus.html to learn more about how you can make a difference! Or EMAIL me your funniest story, most challenging moment, most pressing piece of advice! What do you do to get enough sleep? Do you bother with house cleaning? How do you deal with sibling rivalry? What would you do differently if you could? What is the most rewarding aspect of raising CSK'S? I can't wait to hear from you!

New Book Available!

Hello Everyone! It has been too long. We now have a new expanded guide available at http://www.closelyspacedkids.com. Check out our new website it is terrific!

Lately I have heard so much from parents that feel they are consistently overwhelmed by the 'burden' of parenting two or more closely spaced kids. A lot of the time I find these parents attempting to take on too much at once. It's important you remember that you can do too much during the early years of your children's life. What is most important when babies are still babies is that you care for their basic needs. These include making sure they are safe, secure, well nourished and nurtured.

Your children aren't going to care how clean your home is during their first few years of life, or probably ever for that matter. They won't care how many play dates you arrange when they are babies or how many activities you sign them up for. While it is important as your children become toddlers and then school age children you do get them involved in some activities, it is just as important you avoid over-scheduling them. This will result in not only increasing fatigue for you but also greater anxiety and instability for your children.

Remember that children need quiet time during the day too. If you haven't already you should consider setting aside some time to simply 'be'. Spend some quiet time with your family and let them do the same. It IS ok for your baby or babies to sit quietly for a time. You don't need to constantly actively engage them or stimulate them with the latest new developmental toys, videos or other gadgets. Overstimulation is just as problematic as understimulation.

Remember, quiet time is to be cherished, particularly during those spare moments you actually find some quiet time while raising your CSK's!

Parenting CSK's

Ok fans, for the record I have officially changed the title of our guide to Parenting CSK's: The One and Only Guide for Parents of Closely Spaced Kids. I discovered the title too similar with another book and I don't want the two confused!

Migraine Today!

There are many side effects of pregnancy, none the least of which is an increased risk for migraine headaches. I am prone to migraines, and for the last two days have felt a migraine coming on. This is probably the result of entering my third trimester, coupled with caring for several sick children the last few days.

While some women will experience less severe and frequent migraines during pregnancy, other women will find their migraines get worse. I think I fall into one of those in between categories.

In times of old when a migraine struck I would simply lay in bed most of the day and feel sorry for myself. I generally have 3 day migraines, that start out mild and end with some sort of vomiting, vision disturbances and general malaise.

When you have 2 or more children under 3 however, you'll soon realize that laying down most of the day is not an option when you have a migraine.

How do you cope? There are a variety of strategies.

1. Try to rest during the day if you can.
2. Have a friend, family member or mommy's helper come by if possible to provide you some time to rest.
3. Talk with your health care provider about remedies for preventing migraine.
4. Take some tylenol extra strength at the first sign of a migraine. Taking a medication before the symptoms get bad is often necessary to prevent a full blown attack.
5. Try a cold ice pack on your head, which can help reduce the inflammation of the blood vessels causing pain.
6. Have a cup of coffee or tea with some caffeine to help reduce the pain.
7. Avoid too much stimulation. This means dim the lights if possible and turn off the TV.

Dealing with a migraine is certainly no fun. I find acupuncture works best to help relieve my headaches, or at least reduce them to a dull roar so I can better cope with my family. There are actually many studies that confirm the efficacy for acupuncture for relieving migraine headaches. Find someone nearby qualified to administer acupuncture and have them on speed dial. If you think of it, ask your acupuncturist what points on the body you can also stimulate to help alleviate your head pain.

There is an acunpressure point located in the webbing of your hand between your thumb and first finger that is helpful for relieving migraine pain. Press this periodically during the day.

Most people find a combination of techniques works best for them. The biggest relief for me today? My oldest came up to me and kissed my head and smiled when she made my migraine "magically disappear". Yes my head still hurts, but I have a smile on my face...

Don't forget to check out Double Duty for more tips and techniques on parenting closely spaced children while pregnant!

The Rewards of Having Closely Spaced Siblings

I find having closely spaced children one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Not a day goes by that I am not challenged but equally rewarded and thankful for the many blessings bestowed me.

A reader recently inspired me to post this. I guess I wrote an article that may come across suggesting that parenting closely spaced children is all negative. In reality, parenting closely spaced children is not negative.

There are times when things are tough. I'm sure as time goes on we'll face even more challenges. But to me that is the biggest joy about parenting my children.

One of the things that inspires me most about my children is the close bond they share. I don't know that their bond would be that close if they weren't so close in age. Hannah absolutely worships and adores her sister.

Yes, they sometimes fight and don't want to share. But ultimately I can see everyday just how much love there is in my home, and I feel blessed.

I hope you take that away with you each and every day you parent your closely spaced children. There are so many blessings associated with having closely spaced children. Keep that in mind each and every day you wake up to face a new challenge or a new mystery associated with raising your wonderful kids!

Everone is Sick!

In keeping with the same theme, thought I would mention that today everyone is still sick.

Hannah is down with the stomach flu, Kayla is down with tummy upset and a bad cold, and my dear Erik is also down with a cold/respiratory distress.

I can't believe that I am not sick! Perhaps this pregnancy is affording me a little immunity. They say you're immunity is down a bit when pregnant, but mine appears to be up.

This week I enter my third trimester. Things went by so fast during this pregnancy. It's easy to see why chasing around 2under2. I can't believe that in roughly 2 months we'll welcome our 3rd under 3. Now is the time I start reflecting on my pregnancy.

I personally feel that being pregnant with my third has been my easiest pregnancy thus far. I field many questions from other parents asking if moving from 1 to 2 or from 2 to 3 is more difficult. So far I would have to say that moving from 1 to 2 seemed much harder. My pregnancy was much trickier. My energy was down and overall I just felt a lot more stress.

By now, after being pregnant three years in a row I feel much like a parenting expert. I also have a lot more energy and time to organize, prioritize and spend time with my family.

It's all really about creating balance in your life. When first faced with the challenge of raising two under two, I tried to be supermom. I tried to do everything. Take care of my kids full time, work all the time, keep a clean house, be a good wife...

At some point you need to realize that you won't be useful to yourself, your children, or your partner unless you learn to create balance in your life.

Balance is the key to rejuvenating your mind, body and spirit when pregnant with 2 or more under 3.

Learn more about boosting your energy and creating more 'me' time in my guide, Double Duty! Thanks for tuning in today!