LIV IS HOME

Little did I know this would be one of the last photos with my baby bump. I was 30 weeks pregnant and totally not ready to have my baby. A few days after this trip to Sun Valley I delivered baby #2!

There is so much to update you on and I'm sorry for my blog hiatus, but it was for good reason and I wouldn't take it back for anything. As you may know,  my baby girl came two months early and life has been a whirlwind ever since! I finally feel like I am starting to get the hang of things. After pre-term labor, natural delivery, lots of prayers, severe allergic reaction, 58 days in the NICU, and a season passed--my baby girl is home. Liv Cosette is home!

We are so excited to introduce Liv to this beautiful world! There is so much to see and so much to do and Liv is a true miracle and blessing in our lives. God is good.

xoxo

JUST KEEP FISHING

 Location: South Fork Boise River / Activity: fly fishing / Rod: Tenkara Rod Co / Bag: Topo Designs

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you have to stop doing what you love! Please note, everybody's pregnancies are different. Some women can continue to lift weights and rock climb while they are pregnant, but other women are confined to bed rest and refrained from any heavy lifting. A good rule of thumb is if you did it before you were pregnant, you can likely continue doing it during pregnancy. It's not a good idea to start something new during pregnancy, like surfing or mountain biking.

There are always risks to doing physical activity while pregnant. You can trigger preterm labor or lose your balance with your new-found baby bump. This is why Doctors often times advice not to do certain things if it can prevent hurting your baby. In the end it is up to you and what you feel comfortable and safe doing. In my case, I always err on the side of caution since I have complicated pregnancies. You just never know what can happen!

Now that we got that out of the way, how does doing physical activity change when you're pregnant? Here are a few tips that helped me enjoy continue doing what I love while pregnant:

1. Wear comfortable shoes and prop your feet to prevent swelling.

2. Take breaks! You don't need to impress anyone when you've got a baby to worry about.

3. Modify your level of physical activity. For example, instead of running try a light jog or power walk. Instead of wading through deep rivers fish in a slow and shallow stream or stay on the shore. Try cross country skiing instead of backcountry skiing. You get the idea!

4. Drink lots of water! 'Nuff said!

5. Bring snacks. When I'm pregnant (and breastfeeding) I am always hungry. Having a little baggy of snacks on hand or protein bar is a good idea so you don't lose your energy quickly, because you will tire faster when you're pregnant than before.

6. Use the buddy system. Bring a friend with you, your husband, or a family member so you are not alone doing anything that might put you at risk of falling.

Motherhood is the most challenging and empowering thing I have ever done. We hope we can see all you mamas continue doing what you love and showing your kids what you're made of!

TRAVELING DURING PREGNANCY

image via Pinterest

Traveling when pregnant can be tricky! Not only gauging what you need to pack, but making sure you are prepared in case the inevitable happens. It might seem intimidating to sit on a plane for an extended amount of time or sleep in a strange hotel room, but this is your time! This is your chance to get away and treat yourself! Plan something that you can really enjoy while pregnant and time it right with your doctor.

Here is my comprehensive checklist for staying healthy and comfortable when traveling pregnant.

1. A list of unsafe foods: Know what is ok and not ok to eat while pregnant. Double check with your doctor about what is safe to eat, and some may even recommend to avoid fruit and vegetables depending on where you go. Limit gas producing foods to avoid discomfort and bloating. Pack healthy snacks and bottled water to avoid getting sick or anything that can be dangerous to your baby.

2. Medical records or doctor's note: Ask your doctor for a copy of your medical records just in case you need to go to the hospital while abroad. If you are further along in your pregnancy a doctor's note might be necessary to fly, but it is usually recommended to travel while in your second trimester (14-28 weeks) when medical emergencies are least likely to occur. While you're at it make sure to check with your doctor about getting your flu vaccine before you go!

3. Know where nearest hospital is: If you are a high-risk or complicated pregnancy (like me) find out what care facilities are available in the off-chance something goes wrong.

4. Pack your supplements: This includes prenatal vitamins, fiber supplements, hemorrhoid essentials if you suffer from them, anti-itch creams, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and anything else that might make you more comfortable.

5. Book an aisle seat: For frequent trips to the bathroom or walking around when you need to book an aisle seat on the plane. Make sure [if you are driving] your car/rental car has a working air conditioning before hitting the road since pregnancy can make you feel overheated. Always wear your seatbelt in cars and airplanes and don't be afraid to ask for anything you might need to make you more comfortable. Bring on the extra pillows please!

6. Wash your hands often, drink plenty of water, keep moving to avoid muscle cramps, and prop your feet up to reduce swelling.

7. Dress to stay comfortable: Don't worry too much about dressing to impress! Pack key items and layering pieces that are easy to change with the ups and downs of traveling. Think leggings, comfy socks, flip flops, flats, and a cardigan for your travel outfit!

Remember this is YOUR time before baby comes, and you will be so glad you prioritized yourself for a fun and relaxing trip.

HOW TO: PACK FOR A BABYMOON

My husband and I are going on a babymoon to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! We will be there for 5 days and my son Van will be staying with his grandparents while we're away. I'll miss him like crazy, but I am so excited to take some time for myself before baby #2 comes.

It's hard to know what to pack when you are limited to a suitcase and let alone when you are pregnant. After checking the forecast I made a list of basics so my luggage is manageable.

What to pack for a tropical babymoon:

-mix and match tops

-button up

-fun sweater

-swimsuits

-cover ups

-maternity shorts

-black/denim maternity pants

-leggings

-something dressy

-supportive shoes

-flip flops/sandals

-beach hat

-sunglasses

Stay tuned for more information on traveling when pregnant and follow @travelingtriplets on Instagram for updates on our daily adventures!

BEAR VALLEY

^ Our campsite for the weekend.

^ Van snuggling Jimmy

^ Van napping in his GoCrib.

^ Happy campers!

^ Reading stories before bedtime.

I am lucky to have a happy little camper baby. Van loves being outside and he loves being in the van. This time around he was an angel and napped twice a day and the only thing that woke him at night was the cold, so we had to turn the van on to warm up periodically when the temps got low. 

The van life is like having our own little home on four wheels. It's a simple life, and we don't need much. Here in Bear Valley, Idaho (located near Loman) the fishing is great, the views are amazing, and the camping is free. We enjoyed a weekend camping with family, cooking dutch oven meals, fishing, riding motorcycles, and exploring the outdoors. 

THE WALLOWAS

On our way to Bend, Oregon we drove through the Wallowas. Camping season hadn't quite begun so we weren't able to camp, but we found camp sites ranging from $5-$30 that were absolutely gorgeous! I remember going to the Wallowas as a kid and camping with my family, and deer walked through our campsite like dogs looking for scraps. It was such a unique experience and I can't wait to go back with my family.

In the Wallowas you can hike or ride a horse to the summit of Mt. Howard. There are cabins to rent and camp sites available, especially around Wallowa Lake, so bring the whole family! Towns like Joseph and Enterprise are nearby for art galleries, shopping, food, and even mini-golf and go-carts. But most importantly, the land. It's land like this that Eastern Oregon is known for.

This road trip was particularly hard when we discovered Van gets car sick, and the winding roads weren't exactly helpful. He threw up a few times and we went through half of his outfits before even reaching the destination. However, the second he sat on that stump and discovered that teepee all was forgiven. FYI mama travelers, if your kid is sensitive like mine, try Kids Dramamine tablets or bracelets and everyone will be much happier!

IN THE OWYHEES

Destination: Owyhee River / Location: Oregon / Activity: Fishing / Rod: ℅ Tenkara Rod Co

The complexity and expense of fly fishing can be daunting, but tenkara is a different form of fly fishing. What I love about tenkara is how simple it is. I can do it with a baby on my back and I don't have to worry about a reel or adjusting the line. With just a compact rod, a fixed line, and a fly I can fish any river, lake, or stream and catch some fish. 

One of our favorite spots to fish is along the Owyhee River. We have caught some of our biggest fish yet on this river, including brown trout, and the views are amazing. Fishing is so peaceful and surprisingly addicting. By sundown we settled into camp and woke up early the next day to head home and of course, fish some more.

CAMPING WITH CRAWLERS

 Destination: Owyhees / Location: Oregon / Activity: Camping

Every time I travel with Van something about him is different. He changes as he grows and with each phase there are new challenges. In the beginning I was trying to balance a strict feeding schedule and little sleep. Now that Van is mobile and more alert he wants to stay up late and explore his surroundings so for all you mama's out there here's a little FYI (in my own opinion) about camping with a toddler…

Forget the schedule. Let your baby stay up late until they're tired. If you're able to put them down early-awesome! If not, don't stress it. I tried putting Van down at his usual bed time and he ended up crawling out of the tent. I could not stop laughing!

Let them get dirty. I was worried at first about Van crawling around in the dirt and I didn't want him to put stuff in his mouth, but it is nearly an impossible task to keep a crazy crawler contained. So I let him explore on his hands and knees, playing with nature's balls and he was a happy boy. I made sure to pack an extra outfit and a quick rub down with some wet wipes before bed and he was golden!

The third thing I'd love to share with you guys for camping with a kid 1-3 years old is this awesome portable high chair by Ciao-Baby! You can find it on Amazon or online at places like REI, I got mine at Zulilys. It's perfect for camping and it's easy to clean. Definitely worth the splurge and you can use it for years to come.

Happy camping, mamas!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Kylie, Lisa and Megan circa 1988 with one hot mama

The mother of all mothers. Super mom. We love you. The world is just so much better because you're in it. We have no idea how you did it. We have no idea how you stayed sane. All we know is that you did, and you did it with amazing grace, patience and love. We feel so blessed to be your daughters.



Happy Mother's Day, lovely readers! We hope all of you out there, whether you're a mother or just have mother's to love in your life, are enjoying your day to its fullest. Because YOU DESERVE IT.

Here's a little video I made of Meggie and her Van bug last Fall. Since she's the only mother of the three of us, I think it's special to do what I can to capture those moments that are so fleeting in a woman's lifelong journey of motherhood. Cherish your mothers.

OCEANSIDE TUNNEL

Destination: Maxwell Point Tunnel / Location: Oceanside, Oregon / Activity: Hike

Located in Oceanside, this tunnel was built in the early 20th century leading to a hidden beach called Lost Boy Beach. The walkway is high enough to be safe from the waves and is easily accessible. Wander through the mostly paved tunnel until you see the light revealing the black basalt surroundings on the other side. This is called Lost Beach for a reason. It is sort of eerie but beautiful at the same time.

My son, Van, loves to go on hikes like this. He is happiest in that backpack exploring the world from his mama's shoulders. Even when the wind is blowing and his nose is running, he is bright eyed and smiling. So far I have been impressed with Van's ability to adapt to our surroundings, no matter where we go. I am one lucky mama to have such a fun travel buddy!