Now that our secret is out, I want to shout it from the rooftops. But alas, there are no available rooftops nearby and the next best thing is the blog. Thus, I thought I’d share monthly highlights about the chickling. If you’re not into the whole preggo thing, don’t worry I don’t blame you. Just go for a run and come back when for the regular sweaty chit-chat.
Oh, and please do share your stories, advice, and insight as there’s so much to take in and I want it all.
Baby bump or burrito?
Baby’s Size: A troll doll (as of week 14). Forget the standard fruit analogies; the Ovia app provides gems like this. But I’m going to go out on a limb and assume they’re not including the hair or the jeweled belly in the measurement.
Feeling: I’m in shock that the first trimester is already over. It was complete with its highs (finding out we’re pregnant, hearing the heartbeat, and sharing news with friends and family), it’s lows (consistent and all-daily nausea but thankfully no puking, irregular GI fun, and the inability to do anything but sleep and binge-watch Netflix), and ridiculous cravings for bean burritos, Annie’s macaroni and cheese (the organic, white shell kind, preferably), and artichokes. Epitome of health over here, folks.
But now that the second trimester is here, I’m fully feeling the next wind of energy. I’m trying to run, complete the Barre3 challenge, and packing the weekends full with as many outings as I can until I need a nap. Naps are, and forever will be, my saviour.
Added bonus: I’m finally starting to eat vegetables again with only the occasional nausea and insistence on macaroni and cheese. But let’s be honest, I’m going to eat that mac ‘n cheese regardless of my gut saying, “Please! No more dairy! You’ll pay the price!” I’m a risk taker.
Loving: Re-watching all of the videos of when we shared the news with our friends and family. While keeping a little secret was fun at first, hiding the news and lying became exhausting. Now that the cat is out of the bag, I can frolic around and talk about all things baby to anyone willing to listen. Also loving: Narcos on Netflix. Wait, that has nothing to do with being pregnant? Pssh.
Hating: Pants. Who invented these? Why do we need to wear these? Can’t we embrace our natural state?! I wish I was Lola and could just wear cute sweaters and prance around pants-free for all my days. Truth be told, my pants stopped buttoning around week 13 and I ordered my first pair of maternity pants. In the meantime, I’m using the hair-tie trick (through the loop and around the button to keep them closed).
Also hating: the acne explosion that has consumed my face. It’s terrible and at times makes me want to just hide inside all day — does anyone have a recommendation for a pregnancy-safe facial or skincare? And if you think it’s because of all the mac ‘n cheese, please just lie to me instead.
Sweating: First trimester fatigue is no joke. I’m naturally someone who sleeps a lot, and when you throw in the winter darkness and a pregnancy, you might as well just roll me into hibernation. Running has slowed down (and fell completely off the radar some weeks), and I’m averaging about three to four runs a week at around 3-5 miles each. Paces are also dropping as I aim for a conversation pace (we’re looking at about high 8:30s to 9:00 minute miles). However, what’s lacking in running has been replaced by spinning, yoga, and a new love of Barre3. My fitness goal during this pregnancy is simple: just keep moving.
Wearing: Whatever flowy shirts I still have in my closet, plus a combination of unbuttoned jeans, leggings, and tights. The bump isn’t big enough for maternity clothes yet, but just big enough to make it look like I have a permanent food baby.
Looking Forward To: Finding out if we’re welcoming a boy or girl! My sister is planning a gender reveal in February. Eek! My gut is saying it’s a girl, but I’d honestly be happy with either…or a puppy. I’ll take a puppy too.
Just pray your baby isn’t 12 lbs 23 inches….15.5 inch head and skip the new born diapers completely. Oh yes……my loving daughter…..pay back can be a bitch. Lol
Love you baby girl
Page was 12 lbs??? Tell me no baby has ever been 12 lbs!
There goes my mom…telling all of my deep, dark secrets on the internet. But yes…it’s true. And I’m terrified.
MOM. YOU ARE EXPOSING ALL OF MY TERRIFYING SECRETS. 😉
Congrats!! I just had my second baby…we had a girl three years ago and just welcomed a boy. I had more GI trouble this time around and found that I had to eat prunes and eat a probiotic in order to make things flow regularly again! My best piece of advice is to keep active! I ran throughout both my pregnancies and really think it helped with labor, delivery and recovery. Can’t wait to watch your journey!
Congrats on your second baby!! And noted on the prunes… I can pop some and see what sort of magic happens 😉
I couldn’t face salads or vegetables in the first trimester either, it always mystified me why my body was craving unhealthy foods while pregnant – pass the chocolate cake!!
WORD!
How fun, congrats!! My advice, eat what you crave cause your body knows what it needs…except sour patch kids. I don’t know why my fetus wants those. All I crave this pregnancy is steak, sushi and yogurt/cheese (I’m usually no dairy). So that’s what I’ve been eating. Haha. Probiotics help some of the digestion issues but hormones are bastards and tend to do what they please.
And yes, pants are the devil. I’ve hated jeans since my first pregnancy and never looked back. Buy stock in leggings and dresses 😂
So exciting!!! Looking forward to your updates!
Oh! How are you eating sushi?!?! I WANT IT SO BAD. Tell me your secrets! And congrats on your pregnancy as well!
Ha ha ha, I just do it! My current OB and my Midwives during my last pregnancy said women all over the world eat raw fish when pregnant so as long as I go somewhere reputable I don’t have a problem with it. Although I’ve also been known to pick up a roll at Whole Foods… like last week! I went out and was eating sashimi at eight months last time and definitely got some looks! Ultimately do what you’re comfortable with, but I definitely see no reason for the majority of their dietary guidelines. I was pretty lax the first pregnancy and then this one even more so. The red number five in my sour patch kid addiction is probably worse 😂I hope everything goes smoothly for you, it’s the hardest and yet most fun experience
Fun fact-I had my 2nd baby 6 weeks ago and pants are still the devil. I have 1 pair of non-pregnancy jeans that fit so I’m still wearing a mix of leggings and maternity jeggings. Enjoy your 2nd trimester energy!
Congrats on your new little one!!! And thanks for the indulging me in my hatred for pants.
Enjoy the pregnancy journey!!! The best feeling is when you feel your little one kicking!
Awww I’m so glad you’re going to post updates! Our first trimesters were very similar – but I ate pesto pasta and the only veggie I could eat was green beans (one day I just thew away my salad I brought for lunch and never looked back). It gets SO much better in the 2nd trimester! And yes, living the lie is no fun and exhausting! So many more fun times ahead. I was stuck in that food belly phase for a long time but I imagine given your small frame you’ll be bumpin’ in no time and look absolutely adorable!
Can’t wait for the gender reveal (virtual of course).
SO HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS!!!! You’re going to be amazing parents!
Thanks so much, Nicole! But truth be told, I could probably eat pasta all day every day, even without being pregnant. So there’s always that… 😉
Still just so excited for you and fingers crossed the stomach issues slow down! Glad you are overall healthy and happy though
Thanks, Amanda. So far so good (knock on wood)!
I had the same experience and couldn’t look at vegetables in my first trimester either, I didn’t throw up but I had a lot of food aversions. Luckily that went away after the first half was over. I had my baby in June and it has all been so magical. Sure there were difficult times late in pregnancy and babies are a lot of work but it’s all washed out by the amazing little (or big I guess, 12 lbs?!?!?) baby you will have. Biggest congrats!!!
I totally relate! First trimester fatigue ran me over like a huge semi! 1 week I’m running a 9:07 and the next, 11:30 😂. I didn’t see it coming when I ran a 15k. Slowest.race.ever. Then miraculously, the clouds lifted at week 12. Its crazy how your body changes week by week. I’m at 17 now, so probably just a little ahead of you. I’ve also incorporated other workouts, such as yoga into my routine. The cravings went from sweets to healthy foods. Whew! And to relate to your lactose affinity, I have been loving spicy Thai food, which gives me reflux and bloating. But I endure…daily.
Great to have a blog I can relate to!
One word: maternity pantyhose. Okay, actually two, but seriously, they are awesome.)
(O and sushi: inari, maki with cucumber, avocado, etc.)
It’s a bummer when the buttons to your jeans don’t fit! I hated that part too. I used these belly bands to help keep my pants up https://www.amazon.com/Belly-Band-Combo-Maternity-Solution/dp/B0010X4F02/ref=lp_1285232011_1_9?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1484929003&sr=1-9&nodeID=1285232011. They are great, especially if you can still fit in your pre-pregnancy jeans, then you can hold off on maternity pants once your little one grows more. And to piggy back, take fiber/probiotic everyday to help with your stomach. I also noticed that in my last pregnancy taking iron everyday made it worse, instead I took it every other day. Don’t know if you are taking iron yet in your pregnancy, but that could be a culprit.
Aw congrats!!! I blogged a lot about my pregnancy when I was pregnant. Gave tips for working out while pregnant, etc. you can check them out if you like! I was able to swim, bike, and run through the whole pregnancy so labor and recovery went super smooth!
I’ve followed your blog off and on for a while but have never commented (and you also don’t know me, which may or may not be creepy?), but Rodan and Fields makes a great adult acne skin care product. It’s safe to use during pregnancy (but I would still check with your doctor bc everyone is different and has different issues). It’s called Unblemish and works like a gem.
My wife embraced the stretch pants like nobody’s business during her pregnancy – she still rocks them 11 months after our twins were born. She said it was the best thing she ever did and kicks herself for not embracing them earlier. As a runner, you know all about the amazing-ness of spandex – embrace it.