Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: My name is Teia Collier. Native Texan, global traveler, avid reader, amateur chef and engaged mama. I am a 33 year old mama to Zenora and Solomon (7, 5) that is a pregnant with her third. I wear many hats — writer, mama, teacher, friend, sister and all around fabulous person, though I have been a teacher, congressional aide, gymnastics coach, lifestyle consultant and a wellness coach.
Q: What was your pregnancy experience with your other children?
A: I’ve had two completely different pregnancies, and this one is no exception. With Zenora, it was an easy, breezy pregnancy. One of those ones that deludes women into thinking that morning sickness is a myth. She was delivered vaginally in about six hours — after which, I happily watched Texas win the national championship. Solomon came along about 13 months later much to everyone’s surprise at 29 weeks. His pregnancy seemed to progressing normally until it wasn’t. I developed asymptomatic eclampsyia. My blood pressure skyrocketed, my kidneys and liver were having trouble which led to a seizure and a very dramatic delivery. He stayed in the NICU for 10 weeks; I stayed at the hospital for 14 days.
Q: How are your other children reacting to this pregnancy?
A: They are stoked. We recently found out that he is a boy. Sol wants to name him Megatron, and Z doesn’t have a name picked — she just wants him to be awesome.
Q: How are you feeling with this pregnancy compared to previous pregnancies?
A: This pregnancy has been more difficult than the others. It could be that I am older, but since this one is high-risk. I’ve had more constant care, and am currently on a modified pelvic rest due to placenta previa and high blood pressure.
Q: What are you most excited about with this pregnancy? Most nervous?
A: Most excited… hmm… Getting to meet me new short person, watching my body grow and feeling life inside me.
Most nervous… Placenta Previa.
Q: What are your favorite fitness activities?
A: I love yoga, zumba and am typically a runner, but since I’ve been on pelvic rest — running has been out. Right now, I am stretching and just staying as active as possible.
Q: Any activities you’re finding more challenging or more enjoyable with this pregnancy?
A: I love taking short walks in my neighborhood. Prenatal yoga has been awesome; during the last pregnancy it annoyed the heck out of me.
Q: Do you have a birth plan?
A: My birth plan this time is a scheduled c-section. Though I plan to make it as me and soothing as possible, it’s a work in progress.
Q: Any baby gear you have to have or recommend?
A: I am a fan of babywearing and prefer a sling (Hotslings and Seven) to a stroller, after spending so much time trekking through the city with babies. Though I have to admit am a huge fan of my sister’s Chicco car seat stroller combo. That baby drives like a dream and is super easy to use.
I also love Aden and Anais swaddling blankets. I swaddle some, but I love them for the Texas heat. They are lightweight, breathable and have become well-loved lovies for both of my children. Z uses hers with her American Girl Doll, and Sol’s has become a pillow case and with hidden car storage.
Q: What 3 words best describe you as a mom?
A: Active. Engaged. Modern.
Q: Any pregnancy cravings?
A: Sliced Mango, Homemade Vanilla Blue Bell Ice Cream and Kettle Corn.
Q: What is your favorite thing about pregnancy?
A: Having Boobs, as a former gymnast and long-time dancer, I am lean by nature and training. It’s nice to see myself in this lush form.
Q: On the flip side; your least favorite thing?
A: Nausea and morning sickness that happens around 11pm. Seriously, I thought it was a figment of some overly-dramatic mom-to-be imagination. I was wrong. Funny how life works out like that.
Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: Pregnancy is a special time that brings a host of emotions and each one is different. I look forward to learning more about other mamas stories.
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