From Expecting to Arriving: Navigating the Rollercoaster of Pregnancy Emotions

Hey, it's Robert Sikes here. Today, I want to share a very special and personal story about my wife, Crystal, as she navigates the final stretch of her pregnancy with our second child. This blog post is all about the experiences, feelings, and preparations we've gone through during the third trimester. It's raw, honest, and full of love and excitement.

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Life Right Before Baby Arrives

So, here we are on Crystal's due date, exactly 40 weeks, and still no baby. It's a mix of excitement, nerves, and a bit of tiredness. Crystal has been feeling contractions on and off all day, but nothing consistent enough yet to say, "It's time!" We call this "prodromal labor" – a kind of early practice for the real deal.

We've had a lot going on around the house to keep busy and calm our minds. From trips to smaller farmers' markets to spending time outside with our son Rigel and our big dog Diesel, it's been a blend of relaxation and productivity.

One big relief is having Crystal's sister here to help with Rigel once the baby arrives. She came early because Crystal was getting anxious about when the baby would come. It's been great having her around – someone we trust and who understands what we need during this time.

Adjusting to New Rhythms at Home

Rigel, our little whirlwind, has been full of energy but also loving the company of his aunt. He's been playing hard, reading books nonstop, and even "helping" with chores like mowing and fixing things around the house. It's been heartwarming to watch him bond with family and get ready to become a big brother.

We've noticed how important it is to be fully present with Rigel. When we're distracted, his attitude shifts, and that's a reminder for us to give him our full attention. It's tough with the business and baby prep, but we're trying hard to balance it all.

Third Trimester Health and Preparation

Crystal's third trimester has been quite different from her first pregnancy. The nausea lasted longer, and she experienced more pelvic pain and tightness in her ligaments. But, a game changer has been regular visits to a chiropractor who specializes in prenatal care. Seeing her twice a week has made a huge difference in managing pain and keeping Crystal comfortable.

Besides chiropractic care, Crystal has been working with a pelvic floor therapist, doing massage, and focusing on mobility and stretching exercises. Her workouts have shifted from heavy bodybuilding lifts to more gentle, supportive movements that prepare her body for labor and delivery.

One interesting part of this prep is learning to relax muscles that are usually tight, especially around the pelvic floor and glutes. This balance between strength and relaxation is key for a smoother labor experience.

*Check out my interview with pelvic floor expert and "Vagnina Whisperer", Dr. Sara Reardon, for more information on pelvic floor training for pregnancy!

Medical Check-Ups and Birth Plans

We're working with a midwife in a hospital setting, which has been great so far. We've had weekly appointments, blood tests, and the usual screenings like the Group B Strep test, which Crystal thankfully tested negative for this time. That means no antibiotics during labor, which is a relief.

We've kept ultrasounds to a minimum, only doing two so far: the first early one and the 20-week anatomy scan when we found out the baby's sex. Hazen, our soon-to-arrive son, is in a good head-down position, which is promising for a vaginal birth.

Our birth team will include the midwife, a doula, a birth photographer, and of course, me. We want this to be a supportive, calm experience, with minimal medical intervention unless necessary.

What's It Like Preparing for Baby Number Two?

There's something special about this second pregnancy. Crystal feels more connected and aware of what's happening in her body. Unlike the first time, when she went all the way to 42 weeks with very few signs, this time the signs are more obvious: contractions, back pain, and losing a bit of her mucus plug.

We're both excited and a bit nervous. Rigel is curious and ready to be a big brother, but we know the baby will need lots of cuddles and care before he can play. It's a big change for all of us.

Parenting and Family Life Reflections

Being a dad has been a wild ride, and I'm proud of how Crystal has handled everything. Watching her grow as a mother and prepare for this new chapter has been inspiring. We often talk about how to be better parents and how to give our kids the best start in life.

We want to homeschool at least at the beginning and teach Rigel and Hazen life skills, kindness, and how to be confident in the world. It's also important to us that they feel safe talking to us about anything, no matter how big or small.

There's a lot of gratitude in our home right now. We feel blessed to have a loving family, a home, and a life that lets us be together as much as possible. It's not perfect, but it's ours.

Looking Ahead: Birth, Recovery, and Life After Baby

Once Hazen arrives, we plan to take things slow, especially with Crystal recovering and nursing. The gym workouts will move to home sessions for a while, and we'll all adjust to the new normal as a family of four.

We're also excited to see how Rigel and Hazen bond. Rigel already talks about sharing toys and reading books to his little brother. It's sweet and a little funny to hear his big brother plans.

Crystal's Passion for Birth and Helping Others

Crystal has developed a real passion for birth and the support system around it. She's considering becoming a doula or helping other moms in some way. Her experience with a difficult first birth and this ongoing pregnancy has deepened her understanding and excitement about this world.

We're lucky to have such supportive doulas and midwives who treat labor as a team effort, including me as the dad. It makes a huge difference in how involved and helpful I can be during the big day.

Final Thoughts and Words of Encouragement

As we wait for Hazen to arrive, I'm reminded of how much we've built together as a family. From dreaming years ago to now, with a business, a home, and two kids on the way, it's been a wild and wonderful journey.

Life is full of ups and downs, but when you focus on gratitude and presence, it changes everything. I encourage you to think about what you're grateful for today and how you can be more present with your loved ones.

And hey, if you want to take control of your health and body, don't miss out on my Free Bodybuilding Masterclass! It's designed to help you cut through the noise and get the results you want without wasting time or money.

Thanks for being part of our story. We'll keep you updated when Hazen arrives!

Chapters:

0:00 - Preparing for Birth: Therapy, Pain & The Last Days

3:15 - Family Support & Waiting for Baby Hazen

7:15 - Fitness Routine, Family Time & Weekend Highlights

10:22 - Third Trimester Changes & Medical Updates

13:01 - Mindset Shifts, Birth Plans & Setting Expectations

16:41 - Big Brother Anticipation & Sibling Prep

18:28 - Gratitude, Family Reflections & Parenting Philosophy

23:02 - Building Skills: Teaching Kids Through Real Life

29:39 - Health Updates: Tests, Baby Position & Group B Strep

32:38 - Looking Ahead: Parenting Two, Workouts, & Home Changes

34:19 - Comparing Pregnancies & Chiropractic Insights

36:54 - Approaching Labor: Birth Signs & Emotional Readiness

37:42 - Exploring Birth Work: Doula Dreams & Women's Support

41:25 - Celebrating Strength, Motherhood & Family Bond