Growing Pains: Week 17 Recap

A couple of shots from our phone camera's over the weekend. 

Walking along the Milwaukee River, boating in Chicago. 

Last week was all over the board. It started with a trip to the midwife on Monday to asses some major cramping and stabbing jabs that really freaked me out at first. Turns out that round ligament pain was to blame and, man, was it bothersome. Common during this stage in the second trimester, it's just the body stretching and making room for the little life in there, but I pinned it on karma for turning my nose up when I read that baby is the size of an onion this week. (An onion? Something so sour and bitter for something so sweet??) The pain was pretty constant until around Friday and all of a sudden, voila!, a bump! (Ok, it wasn't technically overnight, but definitely a major growth spurt!) The growing pains were legit and I think it's safe to say I've "popped".

It was extremely foggy all week (see above), a little chilly, and rainy, so we jumped at the chance to escape for a bit and drove up to Milwaukee on Friday to see Atmosphere at Summerfest, who coincidentally happens to be the artist who sings a song we've had on repeat since we found out, which includes the lyrics, "She want a baby so I gave her one of those." We were joking that it was appropriate for the babes first concert, and just before we arrived I felt flutters of the baby moving on the left side. They were so faint, and I almost missed them had it not happened a few more times that night and since. Some people describe them as butterfly wings but mine feel more like bubbles, and that reminds me of a champagne celebration happening in my belly, which makes me insanely happy.


On the way back to Chicago on Saturday we stopped for a little outlet shopping and when a sales associate noticed the belly she got teary and admitted she'd just found out she was four weeks along. I was the only person she'd told besides her husband and doctor and it felt nice to have that moment with a complete stranger. It was my second experience of feeling like part of this exclusive club of support and understanding. It's a nod, a smile, or a comment that just means, I get it. From what I've seen and heard motherhood and parenting can be an open door for judgement ("You're doing it wrong!") so I'm really enjoying these tiny moments of camaraderie and openness.

On Sunday we spent the day on the lake with friends, and it was one of the first times most had seen the bump so baby got lots of love. I'm truly overwhelmed when I think of how many people are caring about us; asking questions, making sure we're comfortable. It's just so kind.

So what started out as rocky week, ended in a really happy weekend. Every day, sometimes hour, can feel different. I'm not sure if I'll do a recap each week, but it's nice to document a few things I want to remember and appreciate. I hope you don't mind following along!

Farewell First Trimester

15 weeks

While I'm not planning to turn this into a baby blog, it's always been a place where I've documented our lives and happenings at a given time so some pregnancy posts are inevitable. Currently, I'm reflecting on coming to the end of the first trimester.

It's a little bittersweet saying goodbye to the first three months of growing this little one. In the last few weeks I've been in a total comfort zone. The nausea has pretty much passed and as of week thirteen I could still fit into most of regular clothes. Word is officially (finally!) out and we're on cloud nine.

But moving to phase two just seemed like it came so quickly. By the time we shared the news (outside of family and a few friends) the "keeping it on the down low" phase was well behind me, which may be one of the reasons time seems to be flying. Also likely because for the first twelve weeks I really didn't let myself believe it. Some of it was shock, but most was a defense mechanism. I needed that first ultrasound and confirmation that there was a real, live baby in there. (Even though I had plenty of symptoms as "proof".) But once I saw that wave I was melted, and all of a sudden I have a belly and everyone's all "you're pregnant!" and lots of tummy rubs and hugs ensue. (Which is totally cool with me, by the way, as long as you aren't a complete stranger. The way I see it, the more baby love the better!) I'm sure at some point I'll want things to move along faster but right now everything is just so good. I've enjoyed each week, as different as they can be, and hope that trend continues throughout the pregnancy and parenting process, and if it doesn't...well at least we'll have a precious babe to show for it.

So, hello part two! Hello bigger bump and official maternity clothes, hello new symptoms I'm not quite ready for, and hello to the moment we find out if we'll be buying pink or blue - eeeeps!

First Trimester Favorites

Thank you so much for kind calls, comments, tweets and notes about our happy news! As thrilled as we are I won't deny that the first trimester was a challenge. I can't say it was horrible, (some might actually describe it as a breeze as far as months one through three go) just different and something to get used to. (Basically, I'm just not used to feeling like myself, and always a little "off".) From morning sickness and headaches to fatigue and emotional overwhelm, it's an adjustment physically and mentally. Best naps of my life? Check. A few out of the blue crying fits? Check. Hormones are no joke. Luckily, I've had a great (i.e. understanding) partner by my side and have also found a few can't-live-without products along the way.


Vitamins:

Honest Company Prenatal's and Omega's - As soon as the test came back positive I spent several hours researching the necessary nutrition, vitamins and minerals and comparing the options. In the end, these won, not only for covering all the basies but also due to the organic ingredients. I absolutely loathe swallowing pills - every day it's a struggle - but knowing I'm providing a good base for our baby makes it a teensy bit easier. I carry a weekly pill organizer in my purse so I don't forget to take them each day.


Morning Sickness / Nausea / Gag Reflex:

Ginger - For the most part, my morning sickness hasn't been terrible unless my stomach gets too empty or I smell something offensive (eggs, and hubby's protein shake were the culprits) but for those random times I needed something to ease the nausea ginger was my BFF. During weeks five through eight I was never without ginger tea, ginger lemonade and ginger ale (along with crackers and sometimes cheese).

Preggie Pop Drops - when I was sick of ginger or on the go I'd pop one of these babies. They also doubled as cough drops when I got a crazy two-week cold during week seven!

Kid's toothbrush - Yep, a super small one made for kiddo's. After complaining to my mom about the pregnancy toothbrush gag (very common) she suggested this miracle. You won't believe the difference! The options are pretty limited though, be prepared to be into Princess or Cars, so I'm rocking a Belle!


Beauty / Body: 

Mother's Friend Skin Toning Oil - I can't say whether or not this is actually working yet, but I figure why not start early? I've read that stretch marks are genetic and no cream or rub can change that destiny, but my mom used this throughout her pregnancies with nary a mark so that's good enough for me. Plus, it's super hydrating so at least there's that.

Aragan Oil - Early on I gave up lots of chemically laden beauty products, especially things absorbed by the skin like body lotion and facial skin care. I wanted to use products with the fewest ingredients as possible so aragan oil became my skin savior even though I was initially terrified due to my typically oily skin. A little goes a long way!

Water bottle / Reusable Cup - Growing a baby requires lots of water. It's vital to keep the organs hydrated, the toxins flushed, and I hear it does wonders for constipation (did I really just type that on this blog?). I have a simple reusable Starbucks cup that I keep with me daily, knowing I need to down at least four refills per day. I also like this timed idea.

Naps - there is no greater sleep than pregnancy sleep. (So far. I have a feeling that won't be the case for much longer.) In the last three months I turned down more invitations and events than I can count, I've been lazier than ever before in my life, and have enjoyed cat naps likes nobody's business. From 30 minutes to 3 hours, I can rest in the afternoon and still be fast asleep by 9:30. It's incredible and very necessary.

Hair ties / rubber bands - The bloat kicked in for me pretty quick. Pants became unbutton-able by about week six. I was shocked and not ready, or quite big enough, for the maternity plunge so I looped bands around my button and long, drapey tops became my look du jour every day. The bloat disappeared around week 10 though, so I got a few more weeks out of my regular clothes.


Alright mama's that's it for this round. I'll be back with second and third trimester favorites in the future. In the meantime I would love to hear some of your favorites!

It's a....

...BABY!! 

For the past ten years it's just been him and me, but in 2014 a baby makes three! 

Our little one arrives around December 1st and we're as thrilled as can be!

Can you even with that little wave? 

"Hello world!"