I’m halfway through this pregnancy (omg)… and here’s the stuff I’ve been loving.
I seriously can’t believe that I’m a little over halfway in this whole pregnancy thing… Not really sure if I can describe how I feel physically – I don’t feel like myself but I totally feel like myself. I don’t feel amazing and wonderful but I don’t feel terrible or bad by any means. I feel normal and good and like me but not like me? It is so odd. I cannot explain it!
I can thankfully still move around easily and exercise and stuff. But I totally notice some out-of-breath feelings when I walk up the steps or go for a walk with someone other than just myself. We had our anatomy ultrasound and didn’t even peek when it was possible to determine it’s boy or girlness. It’s still going to be a complete surprise.
Anyhoo.
These are the things that I’ve been L.O.V.I.N.G. the past twenty plus weeks. Twenty weeks sounds like for-ev-ER.
This big pillow has somewhat saved my sleep… when I do sleep. Almost immediately sleeping on my stomach became incredibly uncomfortable and kinda hurt. And I tend to go back and forth between being a stomach and back sleeper. I’ve NEVER been a side sleeper. I got this pillow around seven weeks and haven’t had a night without it yet. I prop another regular pillow up against the back of it to try and keep myself on my side and it works for the most part. The only love/hate thing about the makeshift pillow fort is that is puts a barrier between Eddie and I – but that’s also kind of amazing given how he sleeps. If you’ve read my blog for five years, you get this. The whole not-being-tired thing still blows my mind because it’s all I’ve heard people talk about for years.
For a few years I’ve been taking gummy prenatal vitamins… you know me and my gummies. But once I actually got pregnant I figured maybe I should step it up a little and not be a child. The vitamins were tough at the beginning because of the nausea, so I’ve always made sure to take them at night. I’ve been taking these garden of life vitamin code raw prenatals. I love them. BUT. I have had a massive phobia of swallowing pills since I was a kid, so every day I get a little anxiety over having to take three of them. I’ve embarrassingly choked multiple times but can get them down. I can find them at whole foods but usually can get them on amazon or vitacost for much cheaper.
If you know how much of a book freak I am it may come as a surprise to know that I really haven’t wanted to read… anything… when it comes to pregnancy. I am finally feeling more comfortable reading a few things, but since I was so scared in the beginning, I couldn’t even bring myself to read. I thought I’d jinx it. I stayed away from all forums. I didn’t even get what to expect when you’re expecting because of the reviews I read and how much it freaked some people out – and I’m a lunatic so I figured it would freak me out too. The only book I read was the panic free pregnancy. I loved it. It calmed some fears and kept the details matter of fact so I tried not to be so worried. I do have a few other books like ina may’s guide to childbirth and what not. I’ll keep you posted on those!
Later this week when I talk about my monthly beauty favorites I’ll go into more detail about some of the things I’ve been using. But on that same topic, one of the first things I purchased when I found out was this l’occitane almond supple skin body oil. To be real, I’m not that concerned about stretch marks. I mean, if it happens, it happens. I don’t even know if my mom has them – I’ve never asked or paid attention! But I figured I’d jump on the bandwagon of buying one of these creams or oils that moms-to-be usually use, and I absolutely love this one. I wasn’t using it every single night – especially at the beginning. And I’m well aware that I could just use coconut oil too, which I always have a ton of. I was drawn to this after reading some reviews because it’s a spray (oh so convenient) and I’m nutty about almond-like scents. (embarrassing bad pun.) I haven’t had any itching yet or anything on my stomach, but now that I’m getting bigger I have been using this daily. I also have the pure shea buter from l’occitane and like that too.
The other somewhat beauty related thing I’ve been a psycho over is SPF. We haven’t had too much of a crazy heat wave yet so I haven’t desperately wanted to be in a pool, but I’ve managed to somewhat keep my face shielded from the sun and am whacked out about applying sunscreen before I go anywhere. All the time, all over. So far – no sunspots or darkening of my skin anywhere… yet. I’m so fair that it’s probably coming.
Ummm. Can we talk about hot dogs? This may sound ridiculous but we need to. I love me a good hot dog in the summer. My doctor says they are fine as long as they are cooked, obviously. I was a little iffy though – and a few weeks after I found out I was pregnant I learned about fork in the road hot dogs from Maggy. I rarely ever accept any products but I had no way of purchasing these dogs (they aren’t in my area) and when they offered to send me some, I jumped on it. THEY ARE SO GOOD! Ugh. Can’t even take it. I believe they are only on the west coast right now, so if you’re near there… get ‘em. For the other food taboos – I’ve found pasteurized goat cheese and feta. Deli meat hasn’t been a concern because I’ve never liked it, but if I did I’d just heat it up. Bacon and prosciutto and pancetta – I’ve bought nitrate free versions and crisped the heck out of them. For a moment, the scent of bacon made me sick though so there is that… eeek. I haven’t really done any caffeine (unless we count chocolate) because I haven’t needed it and don’t want to need it/want it everyday (I do miss the buzz though). Last night we ate sushi and I went prepared to eat a few raw pieces but only ended up wanting cooked things. So it’s all working out. I do MISS EGGS! Ugh. I ate them a few days per week before. Like good old runny yolks.
My Tieks! I know I’ve been raving about Tieks since last year (and yes, I purchase every pair myself, aside from a red pair they sent me in February for heart health – I don’t accept their products for review/promotion) but they have SAVED me the last few months. I didn’t think they could get any more comfortable but as I continue to wear them – they do! I’ve been wearing them a ton, probably more than any other sandals or wedges. I am still wearing heels and wedges and feel totally fine wearing them out. They don’t bother my feet yet. But for everyday activities or errands or working or whatever – I’ve lived in Tieks. There may be more comfortable flats out there but these are the first pair of flats I ever bought. I did buy a similar pair from Target a few months ago and they.were.terrible.
I still haven’t bought many maternity pieces. I’m kind of waiting for the fall when I have to do things with the book and need some legit clothes other than workout stuff or maxi dresses. Things I have found so far: some tanks and a pair of leggings in the Ingrid and Isabel line at Target. I’m fairly unimpressed with the Liz Lange line there… everything just seems kind of… huge. Nothing fits properly. At least not yet. So I love the few tanks I’ve found and otherwise have lived in regular dresses and skirts. Jeans and pants still fit with a belly band. I wear mostly sports bras or um… the genie bra that Bev told me about that is pretty amazing. Everything else still fits… for now.
The other tanks I’ve been loving for workouts or just running around have been from athleta. That’s the tank I had on in this post. They are not maternity by any means but they stretch and are so comfortable. I also have (versions of) this dress and this one too – lived in them! Super stretchy and work perfectly. Besides those, I’ve been wearing a lot of lululemon tanks I’ve had for years.
Remember how I said water had been tasting so incredibly weird? Tt might be getting a leeeeettle better, but the water issue makes me crazy because I can’t ever seem to drink enough. It’s like… it almost doesn’t… fit in my body? If that makes sense? I’m used to drinking close to a gallon a day and I can totally TELL if I haven’t drank enough. But in addition to water, I’ve been chugging down my favorite coconut water. Yes, it’s raw. I’ve also continued to drink kombucha – just this version in the gingerade flavor – maybe about a cup per day, but not every day. Smoothies were staples in the beginning but pretty soon I couldn’t handle them anymore – they saved me at first though. I make them with coconut water and frozen berries and bananas and am now getting back on the smoothie train. Love. (Other than those drinks, I’ve still had an occasional boylan soda and some of the iced passion tea from starbucks. It is SO weird to finally want flavored drinks!)
Trader Joe’s ginger chews have been a staple around here. I have a bag in the car and one in the kitchen. I don’t need them quite as often now but I ALWAYS have them around. Always.
It’s no secret that I’ve been quite the fruit fanatic, so that has mostly been my go-to snack. Even though I still rarely feel hunger (this is awful and I hate it and I pray it goes away), I’m afraid to leave the house without a snack. Since April I’ve had stashes of granola bars in my purse and car just in case, along with some almonds. I’ve been loving these cascadian farms chocolate peanut butter ones as well as these nature’s path chocolate coconut chewy bars. I don’t always want them but if I’m feeling hunger they taste good in the moment and WORK.
So that’s that! Leave me some tips below or tell me about things that absolutely saved you during pregnancy. !!!!! I feel like I’m just living normal life as for now and not much is that different. It’s pretty cool.
We move this week and because of that – we haven’t bought one baby related thing – except for when Eddie bought this teddy bear. (spoiler alert: I almost died.) I already have nursery ideas in my head and am so excited about them… mostly because they revolve around books and something that played a big part in my childhood. The moment I decided what I wanted the nursery to be, I became an emo wreck and lost it and cried. I will tell you all about it SOON. And… perhaps once we move we can finally get a full length mirror and I can do some pics because… we’ve been living in a house for five+ years without one. But I guess maybe that explains my horrific neon fashion sense…
90 Comments on “I’m halfway through this pregnancy (omg)… and here’s the stuff I’ve been loving.”
Waiting to find out the gender was the best!! Even though I had a strong feeling it was a boy, I was still totally surprised that he was indeed a boy! We are a week in and, sigh, ALL the emotions. Super excited for you!
This is so exciting!! Your baby bump is so cute.
Long time reader, first time commenter: I’m sorry if you have answered this question before in the comments or a post but OMG where is your pineapple phone cover from?!?!
society 6!
I haven’t had a full length mirror for almost 3 years! Whenever I leave the house, I’m like ‘I’m sure this looks good’! In reality though, I’m sure I look like a mis-matched hot mess!
I loved the L’Occitane Almond Oil when I was pregnant (just gave birth 3 weeks ago). My skin got really tight along my bra line b/c I carried high. No stretch marks there, but that area was super uncomfortable and this was the only thing that helped.
I carried saltines but never had much nausea or morning sickness.
If they still offer the alpha-feta-protein test (it’s around 20 weeks) and you do it, don’t freak out over any results they may give you. I was 23 and they told me my son would have spina bifida. I freaked for 4 weeks until they could do a 3D ultra sound (which are now on every corner) and see a genetic counselor. He’s fine and will be 15 in October.
And don’t freak over any foods. Millions of women without healthcare give birth to healthy babies every day. You will be fine!
We threw a book baby shower for my younger sister 2 years ago. My older sister found library card invites and everyone brought books for my niece. It was beautiful!
Enjoy your time now. It will all change in December. :)
I’m about 24 weeks now, and the only advice I have is to be careful which pregnancy books you read. I started with the Ina May book and woah-TMI for a first timer reading her first book! The next book I read was a great way to have a lot of basic birth methods/scenarios explained without too much opinion: “Your Best Birth”.
You look great, and I hope you only start to feel better. Do your best to filter all of the unsolicited advice. I do a lot of nodding and smiling…
awww look at that baby bump!! I heard lemon head candies are great for nausea!
oh my gosh, your bump is adorable Jess… i can’t deal.
Why no eggs? I ate them everyday when pregnant with my twins. I had gestational diabetes and they were one of my best options.
oh i just meant runny/raw poached egg yolks! i ate them everyday before i got pregnant – i am still eating fully cooked eggs, just don’t love them as much.
I am very happy for you and your growing family. I know it is a joyful time. Just please don’t make this into a baby blog. I enjoy your love of food, tv, make up blogs which is why I started following you. There are several other bloggers who have gone from their niche to posting at least 2-3 times a week about the baby and all things mommy. Please not you too Congrats – I know you are going to be a fantastic mom.
I was wondering the same things re the eggs! I’m a little ahead of you on this prego thing (currently 31 weeks) my egg eating changed too….when not prego I loved them over easy or poached. During the first part of the pregnancy it was scrambled with cheese, then it became hard boiled, then fried over medium. I’m happy to report I’m back to runny. They taste good again!
Love this post! I totally know what you mean about feeling like yourself but not yourself. It’s so odd. Like you, I’m still feeling like my normal self for the most part (and I’m 30 weeks!)…I hope it stays this way. I take the same prenatals! I also added in their omega-3 supplements, and they’re great too! I’m so jealous that your doc cleared hot dogs…mine said no! And it’s torture not being able to have a hot dog and cold beer during the summer. What is this genie bra you speak of?? Keep these posts coming :)
ahhh love hearing about baby stuff! also more bump pics please!! love love love them! :)
also, have you seen the refrigerated bottled coconut water at tj’s lately? maybe a HH dupe??
I went to target intent on buying “what to expect” and decided my money would be put to better use buying “pioneer woman cooks”. My baby is 19 months old and were doing just fine! I did end up buying a book off amazon for like $7. “Eat sleep poop” it’s a practical, hype-free book and I thought it was awesome. That’s all the prep I did and I’m glad. More than that and the bar gets set too high! Take it easy, do your best and do what works for you. I’m hardly an expert but that definitely helps us (still!).
You look adorable! Where did you get that amazing kimono?
thank you! ha, it’s from forever 21 at the beginning of summer, it was like $12!
yeah, i never get on board with the liz lange maternity stuff, except for the stretchy tanks and v-necks. all their pants/shorts/dresses/etc were just blah on me. h&m has some cute options usually and are decent price though.
leggings were my savior the last 2 pregnancies. i were them way too much.
The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine – hilarious, and the only pregnancy book I read.
I’ll be 25 weeks on Tuesday so all of this sounds far too familiar! I just thought I should share my discovery — Davidson’s Safest Choice Eggs. They’re pasteurized so you can eat all the yummy, runny yolks you want! You could even eat raw cookie dough if you really felt the need. No one should have to go 9+ months without a runny egg… then again, I feel the same about wine but I haven’t found a way around that one. ;) Glad you’re feeling well, best wishes for a continued happy pregnancy!
Pasteurized eggs?? I never knew such a thing existed! I must find them. I am a little over 27 weeks and would LOVE to have a runny egg. Thanks for the tip!
For our first pregnancy,we were given this book. We started reading it in the delivery room to pass the time as I was being induced. Good times, great laughs!
http://www.amazon.ca/How-Not-Completely-Suck-Parent/dp/0771047541
Happy half way there! You’re going to be amazing at this parenting thing!
I’m 31 weeks and my one pregnancy must have is the snoogle! It’s such a game changer. I agree on the reading, I spent the first trimester just terrified and mad that no one told me it would be so terrifying. I’m finally checking out some baby books. I tried to read Ina May and got to the part about birth being orgasmic and was like… no. I took it straight back. Now I’m reading the Happiest Baby on the Block and so far it’s not frightening at all.
Love these posts! You look fab- hope you keep feeling fab, too.
1) I had that same pillow, but it stopped working when I got super preggers. Switched to this- it’s AMAZING. http://tinyurl.com/mxenhcz
2) Read this book- you will pee yourself laughing. http://tinyurl.com/q2beeng
Yes, Belly Laughs was hysterical! That is one of the only pregnancy books I’ve read.
You’re looking fab! I dont need to offer you advice..you’ll figure out everything that works best for you! Plus, you’ve survived the fist half, how bad can the second half be? Haha. But in all seriousness, I’m sure you’ve already heard it- With my first pregnancy I just wanted to get it over with and meet our little baby. I wish I would have not been in such a hurry to get through the pregnancy and enjoyed everything a little more!! Life will never be the same and I think its too easy to get caught up in the pregnancy/buyeverythingforthebaby/holycrapI’mhuge! part to remember that this is it. The end of your alone time is ticking away :)
So, I have a question. I remember a long time ago that you posted a picture of Tieks that were darker…are they Lovestruck? Do you love them more/less than your other pairs? I’m trying to decide on the color of my next pair. The 2 pinks are in the running, but I’m leaning toward the more practical neutral of Lovestruck. Too bad they cost $$ or I could just buy all 3! Congrats on the half way mark!!
I am mother to a six year old. When she was born, a cousin gifted us her “Moses basket.” At first I was skeptical, but within days recognized the value of this gift. If you’re not familiar with it, I strongly urge you to check it out. That basket gave peace of mind as well as a peaceful infant! Best wishes!
You look fabulous. I wish I had been that stylish in the early bump stages (& now, at 29 weeks).
So, like you, my snoogle has saved my life (even though we hate the barrier issue), & water tasted really funny to me early on, but now that it’s a bazillion degrees, I’m chugging it like I used to.
I take the sane prenatal vitamins and love them, but be aware they don’t contain DHA. You probably get plenty of it from your diet, but if you’re slightly paranoid like me, you might want to consider a separate DHA supplement for the remainder of 2nd trimester & 3rd.
I also miss runny eggs like crazy!!!
I haven’t read much either, but I want to get that Ina May book; I’ve heard it’s wonderful.
Anyway, good luck during the remainder of your pregnancy! It’s so fun being on this journey at the same time as 2 of my favorite bloggers (you, obviously, & Oh She Glows).
oh yes i do take them! i still take those in gummy form… because i am a child.
My eldest is 14 now (sob) biut when I was pregnant with her my brother bought me the Girlfriends guide to pregnancy ( Vicky iovine) you must read this book. She is hilarious and talks about all the changes you go through but from a funny, girl to girl point of view. I LOVED this book and re-read it with next two pregnancies too. You will love her humor…
You look great & I love these pregnancy posts! Have you felt the baby kick or move yet? I didn’t until about 21 weeks I think, at 24 weeks she’s kicking up a storm! My fav pregnancy book was “The New Pregnancy Bible” http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Pregnancy-Bible-Parenthood/dp/1909066087/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406532659&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Your+New+Pregnancy+Bible%3A+The+Experts%27+Guide+to+Pregnancy+and+Early+Parenthood+%28Hardback%29 – it’s not funny but it’s informative and easy to read without being scary or preachy (I tried a LOT of books before finding that one). I also read “Your Best Birth” which someone mentioned above & thought that was a great book about the actual giving-birth part of it all (it leans towards natural birth but also gives a well-rounded view of all types of births so you can feel informed about decisions you make/ that are made for you during the birthing process).
If you feel like saving money, I would suggest just using coconut oil on your belly from Trader Joe’s. I’m 38 weeks and haven’t had one new stretch mark (yet). Also, I wouldn’t get too caught up in reading a billion books about pregnancy…how it should or shouldn’t be. Just enjoy the experience…time will fly.
Hello! (from Norway) long time reader, but i hardly ever comment. I have 3 weeks left (oh my gosh) of this pregnancy, and have had some similar experiences like you; havent wanted food, dont feel hungry, dont feel tired at all, dont feel all the this and that that everyone tells me i should be feeling now that i’m pregnant. Good luck with the rest of journey :-)
I also wanted to reccoment this book: http://www.amazon.com/Eskimos-Keep-Their-Babies-Warm/dp/156512958X its awesome! :)
Like you, I found the Snoogle to be a total lifesaver. (Sleepsaver?) in fact, 5.5 months after giving birth I still haven’t slept without it… Well except at the hospital and the two weeks after I came home when I slept on the couch (our bed was too hard for me to climb in/out of after my c-section). I’ve always loved my space when I sleep so the barrier thing doesn’t bug me, haha.
One piece of advice – don’t bother reading too many books on delivery. It will freak you out unnecessarily and things don’t always go as planned so a super detailed birth plan is usually a waste of time. (My section was unplanned, and made me glad I didn’t bother making a birth plan!) As long as your husband knows the important things, he can advocate for you.
Also, I found that no matter how much lotion I slathered on my belly, it didn’t help the stretch marks. Either you get them or you don’t, the lotion will just help with the itch. Using a product afterward has seemed to help them fade a bit but really, it just takes time. My husband calls them Ava’s “I was here” signal. That helps me feel better on days where I feel self-conscious about my new mommy body.
Best of luck in the last half. Can’t wait to hear if it’s a boy or girl – a surprise is the best way to go and makes those hours of labour a little bit easier… Not a lot but a little. :)
I highly recommend Old Navy ribbed ruched tanks – they are super flattering and really comfy. Destination Maternity (I think the Motherhood brand) has some that aren’t ruched but are really soft. Also, Gap has great maternity leggings…
I’m glad you made that comment about pancetta, bacon, etc. because so many other pregnant women don’t really think about it. I thought I was just extreme with all the random foods I was avoiding!
And ah runny yolks, why can’t I find pasteurized eggs around here? That is the only way I have any desire to eat eggs these days…
That C-shaped pregnancy pillow is the best!! It’s also amazing for after you give birth. Flip the bottom up- and you have great bulky pillow to lean back on if you decide to breast feed while in bed or you can lift the bottom up to your lap area and use it similar to a boppy pillow. I could not live without that thing. Love, love!
I’ve never been pregnant, so I can’t really add to any of that stuff. Just wanted to say good luck with the move this week! I’m assuming you’re still staying in the Pittsburgh area, yes? I’ve been on downtown/Strip District real estate watch for a while now…even though we’re not quite ready to move yet.
Um – let me just say that I am so excited that you’re pregnant (which I know is weird since we don’t know each other, but I LOVE your blog so much). I am almost 32 weeks and in the first 20 weeks or so of my pregnancy we sold our house, bought a new house (moved, obviously), and I switched jobs – so I can totally related to omg this is flipping crazy!
Also, when I found out that I was pregnant I hyperventilated for a good half an hour because I was like there is no way. First sort of half-hearted try. Boom.
Good luck with the move!
Congrats on being so far along! This is the world’s shortest pregnancy since you kept it under wraps for so long :) I took those prenatals you took! Not often though bc I was soooo sick and couldn’t even keep those down but they were the best of anything I tried. Things during pregnancy that were important? Hmm…not many come to mind. But after you have the baby, nipple salve, boppies, and my brest friends, in like…every room of your house :)
Definitely never been pregnant – but I understand the weird pill swallowing phobia thing. Gummy vitamins rule. Glad to know I’m not the only one! ;)
Thanks for the preggers posts! Tomorrow I will be 20 weeks too, and I have made way too much of your white pizza and chorizo quesos :-)
Read Ina May. You will feel in complete control after readimy it. It is not scary at all, and will explain everything well. I really liked it.
I hope your move goes smoothly!
i love that this category is called knocked up.
Good luck with your move! I love my Tieks, I wish they were around for my two pregnancies. I lived in flip flops, which wasn’t always ideal. I am looking forward to hearing about your nursery idea. Gah, my belly itched so bad! If only coconut oil was a thing then.
Congratulations on being halfway through your pregnancy! I am about 27 weeks now and the time has flown by. I do keep trying to remind myself to enjoy this experience because I am SOOOOOO anxious to just meet the baby already! Like you I am not finding out the sex of the baby, so that just adds to my impatience. :) Unlike you I am hungry most of the time (the 1st trimester was a different story), so I am watching the scale with paranoia….
But really, just remember that all you can do is your best and don’t worry about what other people say. Everyone has an opinion on EVERYTHING… Good luck! And love your pregnancy posts- it’s hard not to get really excited to read them when you are going through the same thing. :)
I am just so so so so happy for you! I have read your blog forever and have always been waiting for you to announce your pregnancy! You are going to be an awesome Mom! We didn’t find out the sex of either of our two. First was a boy (now 6) and second a girl (now 4). I bet you are going to have a girl with all of your nausea. Just a guess but I was really sick with my girl and not with my boy. Don’t read any of those horror stories, just go to your doc and do as they say. Except for the hot dogs and runny eggs, who cares!!! I am living in France right now and my girlfriend who was visibly preggo went out to eat and she wanted to order a salad but the waitress said she shouldn’t order it because it had mushrooms and in the next breath asked her if she wanted a glass of wine with her lunch! Voila! You are going to be a super fun mom and I want to hear ALL ABOUT THE FIRST DAYS/WEEKS/MONTHS! Disregard what that one poster said about “changing” your blog into a mommy blog! Bonne chance! I’ll be reading and waiting with you!
Where is your floral kimono from?!
I think that is awesome that you are wanting the baby’s gender to be a surprise on it’s birth day. I tell people that I want to do the same when I get pregnant, and they look at me like I have 3 heads.
My husband and I recently bought a full length mirror after 4 years! Honestly, I don’t know why we waited so long!
Ginger chews, ginger tea and plan everything like a realist, get the bear essenssials for the baby( the rest you get as gifts ;) )…
And that feeling of being you/not you is the reality of not being alone in your own body.. Thats all :)
Enjoy it while it lasts..
I’m 21 weeks 4 days today. I’m slowly making my way through Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. I’ll admit, some of the stories are extremely hippy dippy, however, I find most of the birth stories to be incredibly empowering. I’m actually looking forward to the event. :)
I’m 35 and finally learned to swallow pills about two years ago so I admit I was happy to see I’m not the only adult with this problem. I mean, I couldn’t even swallow birth control pills (c’mon!) Congratulations on the baby – you look adorable :) :)
Not finding out the sex of my baby was the best thing I ever did. At the last ten minutes before I pushed him out, my husband and I looked at each other and were like, this is it! It made labour amazing, which sounds so weird but it truly was. :)
Also, the Ina May book was great. I had a lot of anxiety over childbirth but really, it’s all in your head and what you make it out to be. It’s an amazing experience and you’ll be surprised at how strong you are! Best of luck!!
The book Active Birth is wonderful. And I LOVE Ina May Gaskin’s book. Both were super super helpful for both my births. Had my 10lb son drug free!!!
Congratulations! Enjoy your pregnancy – it goes by fast.
Wait, the not feeling hungry thing doesn’t go away??!! I’m 11 weeks and I had all these thoughts like, the 2nd trimester will be blissful, I won’t be nauseous, and I will eat everything in sight. Thanks for all these recommendations – I LOVE your pregnancy posts. You are adorable!
If you want a good pregnancy book that is funny and not scary, I would read Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy. I only read a couple of book during my pregnancy, I would also recommend The Happiest Baby on the Block. I just gave birth to twins on 7/14 and didn’t get any stretch marks. I used pure Emu oil daily and swear that it helped. I bought it at wonderoil.com. Sounds like you are having an amazing pregnancy, congrats on being half way there!
I just LOVE hearing about your pregnancy! I feel like my best friend is pregnant!! :)
You may not get your appetite back during your pregnancy but once the little muffin is here and you’re nursing (if that’s what you choose to do), you will be STARVING. My husband used to come home from work and wonder why our daughter had crumbs in her onesie – it was from me, eating over her while she was nursing. There is just not enough food, or water, in the world once that starts!
True that! Prepare to be famished if you have a heavy nurser. On the other hand loosing pounds a week after feeling like a whale for months while eating 3 portions is an equally awesome trade off :) It’s the adjustment once you stop nursing that is kinda crappy….”oh what you mean I can’t eat mine and hubby’s portion of this and still fit in my jeans? dang…”
Good luck with everything its a ride for sure!