Swelling, Pain, and a Solution

I will start this by stating that I know how blessed I am to have had a healthy pregnancy so far.  However, the swelling (especially in my hands) has gotten out of control.  It's so painful in the morning that holding a toothbrush and washing my hair are things I contemplate skipping or begging someone else to do for me.  While at work, any amount of time holding a pen or typing leaves my fingertips numb and my hands stiff.

The good news is I got the a-okay from my obgyn tonight to use Arnica to treat the pain and swelling in my joints, and I couldn't be more excited.  I've never experienced swelling like this during my previous pregnancies, and when I did have any pain, I took regular Tylenol.  Since reading about a study linking Tylenol to ADHD, and an overall nervousness with medications during pregnancy, I was really hoping to get the Arnica approved.

The nice people at Boiron had sent me a couple of their Blue Tubes of Arnica 30C Pellets, and since I've known the Arnica Gel to work for me for post-workout pains pre-pregnancy, I'm optimistic that tomorrow morning will be much better.

I also received a tube of Calendula Cream from Boiron, which I had planned to use to treat some stubborn dry skin on JD's scalp.  But the plans changed when Keith and I got some wicked sunburn last weekend.  (I excitedly dug a hole in the sand for my belly so I could lie face down, fell asleep, and burnt the heck out of the back of my legs.)  It feels so good to slather on the cooling cream, and it will speed up the recovery, as the last thing I need right now is to be uncomfortable sitting due to sunburn.  

Boiron, the world leader in homeopathic medicines, has offered to ship these products to a lucky reader, so please enter below.  There is a wealth of information on Boiron's website (a long with a $2 off coupon), and they even have a free medicine finder app.  They also have a giveaway running for an awesome Grand Canyon adventure.

*Boiron sent me these products for free and is providing additional products for a winner.  The opinions, swelling, and sunburn are all my own.

Open to US residents only! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cravings??

When I was pregnant with JD, I craved raw veggies.  With O, I couldn't get enough cupcakes/cake.  It couldn't be a doughnut or a cookie- it had to be a form of cake.

This pregnancy I have been drinking sparkling water seemingly by the gallon.  I attribute this craving to the fact that I have developed an aversion to the taste of tap water, I'm trying desperately to stay hydrated, and I want to avoid juice and soda as much as I can.  I've been careful to avoid the flavored versions packed with sugar, but they are so yummy!  

Then a couple weeks ago I attended the Brooklyn Baby & Family Expo, and I was pumped to see a booth giving away flavored sparkling water.  And not only was it yummy water, but it was a special folic acid and vitamin enhanced water for moms and moms-to-be!  A bottle includes all the good stuff from your prenatal vitamin, while being all natural and low in sugar and calories.  Tasty, refreshing, hydrating water, and I could drink it in place of my ginormous vitamin? Sign me up!

Bump Water offers both flat and sparkling flavors, but who wouldn't choose bubbles, right?

I didn't get anything from Bump Water except their samples at the expo (Keith had one too- they're not ONLY for preggos), but they did kindly agree to give a case of either Lemonade or Cranberry Ginger to one of my readers.  To be the lucky winner, follow the Rafflecopter directions below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bump Water is available for purchase by the case at bumpwater.com and amazon.com.

It's True

... we're having a baby!

(We got the idea for the announcement from this pin.)

And now for the frequently asked questions:

1. Due date?
July 21!

2. Are the boys excited?
Yes! We haven't heard a single negative comment (so far).  O moved into JD's room, and we're calling his old room "the baby room".  He is loving it.  He also thinks it is going to be a boy AND a girl, so there may be some disappointment ahead.

3. Do you know what you're having?
No. We're hopefully not going to find out until D day.  However, I do feel wider and more exhausted than last time.  But it's my third, and I'm older, and I'm working full time....

4. Names?
We're pretty set on them, but I'm not going to share them here.  O is determined to call the baby "Gem", so that's the nickname for now.

So it's safe to say that there are some (more) big changes ahead as I navigate being a working mom of three. I welcome any and all tips!!