Thoughts, observations, fears and how I’m feeling after passing 20 weeks…
- Running. So far throughout this pregnancy, I’ve been able to maintain my almost daily running routine, which makes me so much happier mentally and physically. During my first pregnancy I had some complications that prevented me from doing much more than walking or yoga. I am getting a bit slower and certainly feel heavier, but on average I’m still getting in between 2-3 miles 5-6 days a week. Now if only it was helping my weight gain…
- Names. I think girl names are wayyyy harder to come up with than boy names. I had a list ten deep that I loved for another boy, but I’m just kicking a few girl names around right now and nothing is jumping out at me. Send me a message if you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them! I’m mostly drawn to some French ones I’m finding online so far.
- Clothes. Overall, I’m not a fan of a lot of maternity styles. Lots of dresses seem to hit mid-calf, which starts to look even frumpier when you add flats to the mix. But I’ve searched high and low for basic maternity staples that will make me happy and sometimes just going up a few sizes in regular clothing. Overall I think Old Navy and H&M’s Mama line have the best stylish selection at a reasonable price. I usually size down one size for Old Navy maternity, and up one size for H&M because I think it tends to run a litter smaller and shorter. Bae the Label is my new absolute favorite for comfortable and beautiful basics, with dresses that (thank goodness) hit a little above the knee (runs true to size). I also think it’s worth it to splurge on at least one pair of fantastic jeans that will make you feel good, my favorite are from Citizens Against Humanity, but I just found out that Madewell carries a few types of maternity jeans as well! (I’ve included a link to the polka dot dress Here – it was less than $30.)
Loving this dress from H&M.
One of my favotie new work dresses from Bae the Label. - LBS. The pounds keep coming. I gained over 50 pounds with Max, but at the time I attributed that to all the IVF related hormones, injections and not being able to exercise. This time I didn’t gain much my first trimester, but gained 10 pounds in the last 4-5 weeks, even with all the exercise and eating the pretty much the same diet as before I was pregnant. I’ve resolved that my body wants to be a certain weight right now and will find a way to get there. And at least this time I know the pounds all came off, and I know however many I gain will come off again. (Still doesn’t mean I like it.)
- The Bump. I feel like my body overall is staying smaller but my baby bump has grown waaayyyy faster way earlier than they did the first time around. I’ve also jumped up two bra sizes. I’ve heard this is all normal with baby number two, but somehow 4-5 months is feeling a little like what I remember 7-8 months feeling like. My tummy muscles feel tired and heartburn and indigestion have already started, though bleeding gums have stayed away this round!
- Bevies. I miss that delicious caffeinated coffee, particularly espressos, but I miss beer more. Each week I allow myself one small cup of regular coffee, so it buys me a little sanity, but so far there’s no NA beer seems to do the trick. I love me some wine too, but don’t crave it the same way I want a beer for some reason.
- Nervous. Sometimes I get freaked out when I think about having two kids. Yes, even after the infertility struggles, and trying for years and years to get pregnant each time. I know lots of families have three, four or five kids and two is nothing special, but it will still be new and different for me. I enjoy a lot of autonomy with Max and often have him out and about with me wherever I go, and hope that doesn’t change too much with two. I’m sure I’ll figure it all out, but it makes me nervous some days.
- Excited. It’s always humbling to see how excited everyone is about me being pregnant. Everyone loves to ask questions and be a part of the experience with you. It’s nice to be part of something so joyful.
- Wiggles. I forgot how much I loved feeling a baby wiggle around inside. This time it’s even sweeter because I can cuddle my big boy on the outside of my tummy, and feel this baby girl dance on the inside.
- Brother. As much as we are excited to be parents to another little one, I may be even more excited to watch a Maxwell become a big brother. He is old enough that he understands what is happening, and (most days) is so excited to have a baby sister. Max says her name is Abby, which I suspect was from Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street, though we haven’t landed on a name just yet.
