Pregnant Pause

Thoughts on pregnancy - half way though my first.

I'm going to apologize in advance for what I'm sure will be a long - baby - centered - post. My feelings won't be hurt if you skip it and come back tomorrow for the usual musings on makeup and silliness. But if you are interested in my thoughts and experiences with pregnancy, strap in ...

Getting Knocked Up

I've always known I wanted to be a mother. It was never a doubt for me, so when thinking about a family started to make sense for the hubs and I - I was all in. I really didn't want it to be a stressful process, I wanted it to happen organically. So I took out my IUD and tried to remain calm. We weren't "trying" but we weren't doing anything preventative either. It took about 4 months, still the time felt like an eternity for me. In the meantime, I really focused on being positive and healthy. I filled myself and our home with love, and really tried to create an atmosphere that a new little spirit would find attractive. Then, boom, it happened.

I felt pregnant right away. I just felt different, but I waited until I missed a period to test and tell the hubs. At first, I felt an odd mix of vulnerability and ferocity. To mess with me was/is to mess with my baby, and I will not have that shit. But I also knew that early pregnancies are pretty fragile so, in a way I felt like I was holding my breath for the first trimester. Making it through the first 12 weeks without incident (except for fainting in the middle of a crowed Trader Joe's, but that's another story) and with a healthy baby in my belly was one of the biggest reliefs of my life.

What I've Been Eating

I definitely had morning sickness in the first 12 weeks, but nothing too crippling. Thankfully, that more or less subsided in my second trimester. My first really strong craving was for beef - burgers, steak, you name it. Basically, I started to crave protein and more substantial food. I've always been what you could call strict with my diet. So I've had to let go of a lot of that, listen to my body, and EAT. I try to make sure I'm getting a good balance of protein, dairy (mostly greek yogurt), good fats (nuts and avocados for example), and lots of fresh greens, fruits, and berries. I have also had to re-introduce carbs into my diet. I've been known to have the occasional cookie, and some chips now and then - but I try not to go too crazy on the junk food since that's not what I want to be feeding my baby.

Oh, and I drink a lot of water, coconut water, fruit juice, and smoothies. Wine, alas, will have to wait ...

Staying Healthy

Aside from trying to eat well, and continuing my acupuncture practice, I try to make sure I'm getting some good movement in. I do my Tracy Anderson DVD faithfully, stretch, and have continued walking to and from work. Our bodies really are so amazing. If we give them the right fuel, and get in enough activity, they do the rest. My weight gain has been steady, but not crazy, you know, the appropriate amount. I have to remind my self that this time really is about letting go, trusting my body to do what it needs to now, with the understanding that later I'll "bounce back" as they say.

The most important thing I can do now, is take care of myself. Taking care of myself is the best thing I can do in this moment to take care of my baby. She hasn't been born, but that doesn't mean I'm not her mommy, so I'm going to do my best for her. Simple as that.

[UPDATE] I've also been religiously taking prenatal multi vitamins, omega 3 fatty acid supplements, and a probiotic. These are musts for the healthy development of your baby.

What I've Been Wearing

It's easy to not feel like yourself when your pregnant, but I think it's important to stay connected to the person you were pre-pregnancy. So I have really wanted to keep dressing like myself, even as my body's changed. I've had great luck with ASOS, GAP, and American Apparel cotton tees and tanks in larger than normal sizes. Plus I've been lucky to inherit some cute pregnancy hand-me-downs. Cute flats, pretty jewelry, and fun bags are also nice.

I've tried to be careful not to spend too much on maternity clothes that I'll only wear for a few months, but one splurge that was totally worth it was a hot pair of maternity jeans that I can still feel sexy in. J Brand Jeans have been just perfect for this. Yes, they are expensive. I got mine on GILT for a reasonable price, so my best advice is to keep an eye in the sales. A nice pair of pajamas to wear around the house and not feel like a shlub in are also a must have.

Staying Connected

The hubs is much more of a homebody than I am, so staying in on the weekends hasn't been an issue for him. There have been lot's of movie nights, foot rubs, and sofa cuddling. Nesting and talking about our plans for this little one has also been a fun and sweet way to connect.

We're trying to stay connected with our friends as well - admittedly easier for the hubs with after work happy hours and such. My girlfriends have been amazingly supportive, despite my sobriety and earlier bedtime. There have been book clubs, mani-pedi dates, lot's of walks, longg phone calls, and the LA get away earlier this month. I really want to make sure that nurturing these relationships before baby girl's appearance is also a priority.

The support of the hubs, our families, and friends has been one of the most rewarding parts of this whole experience so far. I have really enjoyed being pregnant so far - I'm just really trying to soak in this whole season of life. Trying not to rush though this phase - while looking forward to the next.

So tell me, any of you pregnant too? Or hoping to be? What has your experience been?

Image via yours truly from a week or two back.
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