Halfway There

What a whirlwind that just 5 months of loving our girl has been!

We are more than halfway there(almost 22 weeks) and I'm finally coming out of that awkward stage where people don't wonder, "Is she pregnant orrrrrrr did she destroy a whole pizza by herself?" -- which I'd be lying if I said I've never done before. Oddly I've actually had strangers ask me lately how far along I am and I've had to fight the morbid side of myself that wants to say, "Oh, I'm not pregnant," just to play cruel jokes on them. Savage, I know.


I look at everything so differently now. Obviously for most reasons, because I'm considering this new life in everything that I do. However, I've started to look at others differently as well. Every mom I encounter I have this unspoken respect for because of knowing just a fraction of what they've gone through to bring their babies into the world. Seeing mothers with multiple toddlers, strollers and juggling things -- I want to go out of my way for more so. Whereas before,(not that I've never stopped to help) I could have easily overlooked them from being caught up in my own hustle. In ways it's a very humbling experience because it makes you respect what it takes to get from point A-Z for some of these people. Especially the moms that work full time with their babes. God bless all of yahs. 


Okay. Enough mush. 


What generally brings most expectant mothers relief at the end of their first trimester actually brought me more grief, some additional food aversions and throwing up... violently. Tasty right? I have a feeling I will just be one of those people that deals with this sporadically through my whole pregnancy. Just counting my blessings that I haven't had to be hooked to an IV because of dehydration or anything crazy. It could certainly be a lot worse. 


Pregnancy is a beautiful thing but I'll be real with you guys... I'm so ready to feel normal again. HA! Obviously, outwardly, my body hasn't undergone the most drastic of physical changes or endured the worst of the aches and pains. I still have a long way to go, no doubt. The physical part of being pregnant doesn't even bother me. I truthfully don't care how much my body changes during this time period as long as my little girl is healthy. 


It's more of the mental and emotional tolls of my days being dictated by food that is getting old. I legitimately have anxiety before every meal knowing that I have to attempt to hold down something again and again all day. (Which ends up being 6 times a day, since I have to eat lots of small meals.) I truly never want to eat anymore. Aside from the social aspect, the joy that restaurant outings used to bring me is completely gone. I can only eat a fraction of the portions I used to and it takes me three times as long to sit there and attempt finishing my meal since it all sits up in my chest. I no joke have to tell the waiter, "No I'm still working on it," about 3 times during the duration of our meal -- meanwhile every person around me has been finished eating for 30 minutes. Bleh.


I've been experiencing lower back pain for a couple months now and tossing and turning every 2 hours has plagued my sleep. Believe me I know the worst is yet to come. The 'round ligament pain' is in full swing. When sneezing. Bending or twisting certain directions. Trying to get out of the car.


The first sign of life on Mars I felt was our baby girl fluttering once around the 16 week mark! Week 17ish I felt a few punches or kicks. Starting at week 18 to present time at almost 22 weeks I have felt her everyday as she re-situates, rolls over, kicks and punches! She's always on the move and awake at all times! For real, y'all. This child is going to be a handful! 

Things I crave:
Anything salty
Tart candies - such as starburst, push pops, sour gummy worms 
Pickles
Popcorn

Oddly -- not so much chocolate flavored things. 


Fitness & health:
I'm currently at a 2lb weight gain at 21.5 weeks. My doctor has said everything looks great -- protein, glucose levels etc. Our little girl is measuring in the 46th percentile for her size and all of her measurements and checks at the anatomy scan came back perfect! Which is a huge relief! 

I took two straight weeks off from the gym during the time I wasn't feeling well and was also traveling to New York. I've cut my days back anywhere from 2-4 days a week based on how Im feeling. Every week is different, as I have still been working full time, so if I don't get enough rest from tossing and turning all night -- theres no way I'm getting up at 5am! Just looking to maintain what I've built previously and keep off as much of the 'lurking fat in the shadows' that I possibly can haha!

At this point every week brings new and fun changes as we continue to watch her grow -- and me! Eeeek! I know this is the point that I really need to stop and soak it all in, take lots of pictures, and slow down to feel her kicks as often as I can because these remaining 18 weeks will fly by. 

Something I strongly suggest for anyone expecting their first child -- Go. On. A "Babymoon."
As silly as it sounds it was the most relaxing thing that Eric and I could have done. It allowed us to take time apart from work, chores and just life to really sit back and enjoy each other while also truly soaking in that it was the last time we would ever pack just two bags for a vacation. It made us closer through all of this and gave us time to love our little girl alone together. GO ON A BABYMOON. DO IT!

I will have tons of before and after nursery photos coming soon and more baby updates as well! Below are a few pictures that were taken through the trip of our baby-moon! We went to Orange Beach, AL and stayed in the most quaint place along the beach. Enjoy!


xx,
Katie