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I’m almost to the 8 week countdown! It’s hard to believe. I haven’t blogged much pregnancy, so I thought an update of sorts might be fun.

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6 weeks

How I’m feeling

My body feels great! I’m still energized and, aside from a touch of nausea this week, I’m surprised at how ‘normal’ I feel. I think I’ve gained about 26 pounds so far. That puts me right on track to gain my doctor’s maximum recommendation of 35 pounds. I thought carrying around that much weight would feel terrible, but I actually don’t feel that huge (unless I eat way too much too fast). Only about half of my maternity clothes still fit though:( I don’t have any cravings or aversions anymore, but I’m definitely eating more dessert, and cooked vegetables sound a whole lot better than anything raw.

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16 weeks

My mind however, hasn’t felt so great. Between a listeria scare and living in constant fear of mosquitos, I’ve been feeling more anxious. I thought I’d worry less after the first trimester, but I’ve come so far and I’m soo close! I’m a little overwhelmed to be starting a new school year the week after next, but I’m also kind of ready to be off the couch and have a distraction. I just want her to be here!

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20 weeks

I’ve been really lucky in that I’ve been able to stay active since about 7 weeks. I did easy jogs up to 27 weeks as well as a lot of Popsugar Fitness videos and barre workouts. I’m definitely slowing down a bit and doing more walking and prenatal yoga, as well as barre and a few Popsugar videos with lighter weights.

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28 weeks

Nursery

We have a crib and a changing table, but that’s about it. I’m waiting on curtains, a glider, a bookcase, and the carseat/stroller to be delivered. I’m pumped to be having a Dallas shower this weekend. After that, I’ll probably use my completion discount to buy anything I still need. I’m trying to be somewhat minimalistic, as I hear you don’t really know what you want/like until the baby is here. Any recommendations?

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31 weeks

Preparing for Labor

I hired a doula! She was a labor and delivery nurse for 10+ years before becoming a doula, so that makes me less nervous about labor. We’ll meet next week to create a birth plan, which at this point consists of wanting everything as natural as possible until I beg for an epidural. My doula recommended a prenatal chiropractor, so I started getting adjustments to prepare the birth canal last week. I don’t really like them; but, apparently my pelvis isn’t in great shape, so I’m hoping it will be worth it. I’m also taking a breastfeeding class and a childbirth class.

I thought I would be more worried about life once the baby comes, but for some reason I’m not. I think Matt and I are just so excited and ready to be parents that we sometimes forget how tough it’s going to be when we’re not sleeping. For now, ignorance is bliss!

Did I miss anything? Any advice for me??

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  • Julie
    August 3, 2016 at 5:17 pm

    Sounds like you’re doing everything to prepare for the baby! For about 8 straight weeks before I had my son (who is our first), my husband and I went to the movies because we knew we would not be going for quite a while. I think we ended up going to see a movie when our son was 15 months or so.
    Enjoy these last few weeks as just the 2 of you. Being parents is wonderful!

  • Susan
    August 3, 2016 at 7:08 pm

    I don’t have any advice as I have no kids yet but just wanted to say I enjoyed the update and kudos to you for keeping so active! It’s something not many people choose to do or are able to do.

  • Nicole
    August 3, 2016 at 10:29 pm

    You are doing great being active. For things you need, the main thing I would say is a Boppy. In fact get at least 2. Bring it to the hospital and everywhere you go at the beginning. The other tip I learned and forgot with the second kid was to not only bring extra clothes for the baby but also for yourself. (Seriously, if you have a kid that spits up like mine you never know when you will need it.) You need some kind of baby rocker. Unfortunately each kid is different in what they like so if you can borrow from people to try out with your baby first that is best. One of the best ones I saw after I had my kids was this one http://www.target.com/p/fisher-price-deluxe-newborn-rock-n-play-sleeper-my-little-snugapuppy/-/A-14583535?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby%2BShopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9023904&gclid=CjwKEAjwrIa9BRD5_dvqqazMrFESJACdv27GKS9At2RLmlIXqkPfvprVFU6iSp1xLA4ubzUWAWb0vhoCd1fw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds or something like it. We call it a baby taco and my kids would have loved it. The love being snuggled. Also think about getting some kind of bassinet or co-sleeper, especially if you are breast feeding. Don’t give up on the breast feeding, it is hard! But if it isn’t for you then that is ok also. The last thing I would say is unfortunately the worry doesn’t go away but you somehow get a little more used to it at times but the benefits far outweigh any of the negatives. You’ll do great! So my very last bit of advice is don’t listen to others (even me) and do what you think is best. Sometimes you get overwhelmed with the “advice” and blogs. You can listen but in the end do what works for your family and baby. Good luck!

    • Laura
      August 5, 2016 at 10:18 am

      Thank you!!

  • Kate
    August 4, 2016 at 12:31 am

    Love this update! I can relate as I am due with my first in about 3 days – my husband and I are the same, just excited and in an ignorance is bliss stage re: sleep! My advice is to be as self indulgent as possible during the last few weeks, it’s the best advice I’ve gotten. Lots of sleep, workouts, lazy days, pedicures, socializing and date nights!

    • Laura
      August 5, 2016 at 10:17 am

      Sounds like good advice 🙂 Good luck with your labor and delivery!

  • Liz
    August 5, 2016 at 4:49 am

    My daughter is 4 weeks old – I’m actually breast feeding as I type this! – and I would highly recommend getting a few SleepSack Swaddles by Halo. My daughter is a real Houdini when it comes to swaddles, but she can’t escape the sleep sack! It really helps her stay asleep for longer stretches at night. My only other piece of advice is to go easy on yourself during those first few weeks! It’s hard, but it gets easier. You’ll be shocked at how refreshing a three hour stretch of sleep becomes!

    • Laura
      August 5, 2016 at 10:17 am

      Thanks so much for the advice!

  • Colleen
    August 5, 2016 at 6:54 am

    You look awesome! I’m due in 12 days, so feeling ready. 8 weeks is plenty of time to finalize your “prep.” Getting the stroller and car seat base installed was fun for me! Which stroller system are you going with – can’t really make a “bad” choice with all the awesome options!

    • Laura
      August 5, 2016 at 10:13 am

      Thanks! I was torn between the Uppa baby Cruz and the Nuna Tavo – went with the Tavo because it’s a little bit cheaper and I figure we might want to buy a running stroller too. Good luck to you!

  • Elizabeth
    August 5, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    Love reading recaps like these because I’m a few weeks behind you (almost 25 weeks pregnant). You said listeria scare – ahhk! (I’m so paranoid about that) Was it a scare as in you actually were sick? I have had a lot of anxiety since this will be my first child too.

    • Laura
      August 5, 2016 at 9:38 pm

      Yeah – got sick in Bermuda after being a little bit too lax with what I was eating…only lasted a few days though so my doctor said it was just travel related. It’s all a little scary!

  • Molly
    August 5, 2016 at 11:11 pm

    The only thing I might say is to try to cook and freeze a bunch of meals before she comes. The week before my due date my husband made a big batch of pasta sauce, soup and roasted veggies to have on hand. My friend also set up a calendar for friends in town to schedule when to bring by a meal/visit with baby which was so great (it also helped to spread out visits!) I also had an October baby and feel like we were gifted chili and lasagna exclusively so maybe just go easy on those with what you prepare for yourself:) Congrats and best wishes!

    • Laura
      August 7, 2016 at 9:19 pm

      Thanks!! I’m not sure my husband knows how to cook those things:))

  • Carrie
    August 6, 2016 at 7:12 am

    You look great! When is your due date? I’m due October 12th with my first as well! We aren’t finding out the gender so it’s really prevented me from buying anything unnecessary at this point, because I want to see if we’ll be having a boy or girl! Hope you continue to feel good and get lots of rest!

    • Laura
      August 7, 2016 at 9:21 pm

      Thanks! October 1st. I don’t know how you can stand not knowing the gender – it sure will make the delivery exciting !!

  • Sarah
    August 21, 2016 at 10:41 pm

    Our second daughter was born last week, and I felt the same way re a birth plan–
    Natural until I couldn’t stand the pain and then epidural. I did this with my first daughter and it went well (got the epidural at 5/6 cm and she was born 2 hour later with 30 min pushing).
    This time around, I was 4.5 cm, and the doc broke my water , which had been leaking and all of the sudden the pain went from bad to hellish and I had to wait for 30 min for my epidural , at which point I was 9’cm. it kicked in time to push but my advice is not to let them break your water until the epidural is in (and if your water does break on its own when you are in active labor, ask for the epidural asap! No matter what, it is one of the hardest, most amazing experiences. Can’t wait to hear about it.

    • Laura
      August 23, 2016 at 10:21 am

      Thanks and congrats on your new baby!!