Reality Bites

This post is about the reality I've been facing with pregnancy.

 There are a handful of people who want to shake a finger at me and tell me I'm not being grateful enough or complaining about my experiences with pregnancy, especially cause we had tried so hard to get to this point- but I'm over it- I have a right to complain about my discomfort and also continue to feel the blessings of life growing inside me. 

(Okay- this one is really hitting close to home- I have been really crazy and I didn't know I had that much in me!)

I don't know about some couples, but this pregnancy for us has been a good test of patience. 

http://www.pnmag.com/pregnancy/love-in-an-elevator/

This article is pretty much a good mirror of some our weeks. It's not been easy some days- especially as I'm getting bigger and more uncomfortable. So I tend to be mrs grumpy, like, more days than not. I'm sure Wes just wants to throw his hands up in the air and just scream at me at times- but he doesn't. What's helped us is talking about it and just trying to understand each other and being with each other. There are times when separation is good. But I feel like we've done well by sticking by each other's side - hence my disappearance in social activities. And we are both good at making jokes of things- that helps too. We laugh all the time about my hormones and my pregnancy brain...and I swear he has it too!!

I remember saying to a friend, if I ever got pregnant I wouldn't complain about pregnancy. And I'm really not trying to. I did, however, thought I'd embrace it more and it would affect me different and I'd be happy All.The.Time. I am thankful everyday for this chance to create and love a child. But I don't have to be happy about my aching hip and swelling ankles. 

I've also have been one of those 'lucky' pregnant women who suffer from a stuffy nose their ENTIRE pregnancy. Since day 1. At one point the Dr thought it was a sinus infection and gave me Augmentin, but that only lasted 5 days , then the antibiotic I took reacted badly and I started to get other infections- it was a joyful week- really :/

 I feel like that all the comments made  by other pregnant women is a way to reach out and feel 'common'. Cause let's face it- pregnancy isn't the majority of what most of my Facebook friends are going through, my neighborhood isn't full of pregnant women, and I only counted three of us prego ladies at the Olive Garden tonight. And there is still many women out there still trying to get pregnant, really really trying and with no luck or glimmer of a chance in some cases. It's not that common. So when I talk about annoying heart burn or lack of sleep or crazy hormones- there's that small community out there that's been through it, and now I, thankfully, belong to it and can get reassurance that it's normal and I will survive it. 

I wasn't really sure about having a birth plan, I almost didn't want to spend time on it cause who knows what would really happen- I can't pin point the exact day she will want to exit my womb- and I won't know if it will be an emergency c-section or not- or if she will come way early or way late. so I just felt like I didn't need to worry about a birth plan. I got some good advice ,though, from a lady who's had three kids. She told me to have instructions for each scenario and make sure that Wes would be there to make  the decisions and consulted on a lot of things if I was unable to comprehend. Also if I did have to have a c- section, I ought to express our wishes about how long I want the baby to be with me after, when she can leave or not- apparently we have choices and I don't have to let the big system make those choices for us. I found this simple template for a birth plan online. You just fill it in then print. I plan on giving mine to the my Dr and the hospital when I pre register.  

http://www.fitpregnancy.com/pregnancy/labor-delivery/your-birth-plan#020414

We do plan on delivering at The University Hospital and I've only heard good things about their labor and delivery policies as well as their thoughtful concern about the importance of the bonding time between a newborn and it's parents. That has been relieving, some what, as long as it happens with us. 

Speaking of labor and delivery...

The nerves and anxiousness have now hit me more than ever. I worry I'm going to poop, then have a horrible time delivering cause I'm embarrassed about going code brown in front of people. This really happens to women! I also question my strength. I cry at the sight of big needles, how the eff am I going to handle an epidural. Then push a human out of me?  

http://www.pnmag.com/blogs/week-29-positive-affirmations-pregnancy/

Some of those affirmations are cheesy but some of them are really good. 

So far my new purchases have been an extra DHA supplement.  I found out my prenatal is only 30% of the recommended dosage. I was a little mortified  and angry I didn't read the label better sooner. But I'm trying to play catch up now more or less. I had already allowed my self salmon and tuna once a week- so I think I was okay over all on my DHA intake. But you never know. I bought this one on amazon. 

And yes, I finally got tired of trying to find a comfortable bra so I caved and bought bra extenders. I feel like the obese lady in the plane who needs a seat belt extender. But now I'm more comfortable. And I guess comfort trumps all at this point. 

My appetite is the same. I'm still eating a lot. But I really am trying to make a more concerted effort to get more fruits and veggies. But those damn carbs tempt me every time. This isn't just a pregnancy problem, not-pregnant people have this battle too. 

 I got weighed at my last appointment and I've officially gained 30 lbs! Yikes!! I was dying. I felt huge but I didn't know I was THAT huge.. Then the dr tried to make me feel better.  He pressed on my swollen ankle and showed Wes " see that dent? it's probably a lot of water weight"  a little embarrassing to have my dr push on a fat ankle then show my husband " this is why your wife is heavy"   Truly though, I should eat better overall 

I know I am going to continue to gain some weight. I just need to do the diet Kim K went on- but I won't Instagram myself in a white swimsuit after. Isn't she a vain one? 

But she lost her 50 lbs amazingly well and looks awesome. I know I shouldn't follow a celebrity and their dieting plan. But seriously. She lost like 50 lbs in 6 months. Partly from breast feeding I'm sure, and she was way more swollen in the feet than I- so I'm sure she lost 15 lbs of fluid the first 6 weeks after birth. 

My real weight loss goal, after giving birth,  is to fit into my old clothes. My real weight loss motivation will be pre pregnancy Moo. I wasn't skinny. But I could fit into things, and a bikini, at one point. 

 aren't I a vain one? ;)

As much as I want to meet my little Charlotte- I'm going to also miss this bump and my bonding and witnessing of such a miracle- feeling it, seeing it and experiencing it with Wes. It's a bittersweet feeling, for sure. I would shed a small tear if I didn't have to pee so bad right now. 

And there it is, my reality with pregnancy! 

Soooo...

Happy  third trimester to me! I'm huge and swollen and grateful for a healthy pregnancy thus far and the support of my amazing husband, family and friends. 

I am always feeling happy, blessed, excited, anxious.....and oh so tired :) 

9 weeks till I'm full term, 12 weeks til she's officially due! Let's place bets on the actual birth date!!!

I could go on and on with the pregnancy humor cartoons........okay, just a couple more! 

One of the best part of pregnancy is shopping for me and the baby. It's true! 

I have a couple more pedis to schedule in. I don't want to go three months between though! Sick! 

Heather's Salt Lake Baby Shower

Heather flew in from Seattle so us Salt Lake folks could throw her a fun shower and see her cute face and baby bump- it was so fun! 

Here we are, just 8 weeks apart! 

Heather and her mom, Debbie- so adorable! Debbie drove all the way from St. George. 

Nicolle is so creative and amazing- she put together all these cute favors and prizes. 

We played the Price is Right and it was hilarious! Everyone should play this at a Baby shower- these girls got into it! So competitive! 

Heather said she was craving Cafe Rio's queso, so we went with it and did mock Cafe Rio salads. Home made dressings, and Milka did an amazingly delicious job on the cilantro lime rice and black beans  AND made the yummiest cookies! Heather has some good culinary friends! 

We couldnt sub the cafe rio chips for anything but the real thing

They let me buy the tins for $2 for 20 of them, and we cooked real flour tortillas. We grilled up seasoned chicken and steak, then had all the toppings! I think they were better than the restaurants, personally. 

It was so fun to see everyone and watch Heather open up her fun presents for George. She is one of my best friends and I'm so happy we get to experience our pregnancies together. I can't wait to get to Seattle to meet George when he arrives! 

Mission: Baby Miller: Second Trimester Moo-cessities

 I have one week left til I am officially in my third trimester- I'm excited and anxious, cause then it's just a couple months til I am full term and can pop this baby out! 

My first trimester was pretty basic. I purchased alot of the necessities right away that would  last me through the whole pregnancy (aside from the jeans thing)  i still wear all of them. 

I did get some extra things though- cause I was excited about the clearance sales, and kohls cash and new stuff ;)  and this all should get me through til the end and beyond.

Boots- Now I know this isn't just a maternity thing- but I didn't want to wear my high heeled boots while pregnant in the fall and winter- so I bought flat boots, and I love them, and they fit around my chubby pregnancy calves and ankles. Zulily- $15 each (YAH!)

Maternity Coat- I read so many things saying don't waste your money on a maternity coat. But I tell you what, its comfy and  fits ALL the way AROUND and I don't have to worry about my underbelly hanging out and getting cold. Plus it's nice enough that even if I wear yoga pants and a t shirt, I put my coat on and my boots and I look all put together- seriously! Motherhood Maternity- clearance $45

3/4 Long sleeve tee's- I wear these all the time. I just have the two colors, black and gray and purple and navy. they are long, they are soft and they fit and stretch. Pea in a Pod  $48 each, but I bought these on a BOGO sale.

Maxi Dresses- I loved wearing these towards the last few weeks of my second trimester. sometimes I'd layer with a cardigain, or slip on a t-shirt over them haha. Kohls, Target and Old Navy

Maxi Skirt- love this with a tank and a blazer. $4 old navy uber clearance

Maternity slip- this was a little more pricey then I wanted originally but it's the best slip! It's almost a pseudo shaper and smooths everything out. Plus I started using coconut oil as my stretch mark preventative and this slip helped protect my dresses and skirt. $35 a Pea in the Pod 

A nice maternity dress- I got this at H&M and I can dress it up or down. I love that it fits around my growing belly and that I have something nice to wear to our events at the Magazine or other places. And it's not one of those gnarly wrap dresses or nursing dresses- bleh!! I also purchased maternity tights if I needed to be formal. $15 H&M Maternity , tights $13 Pea in the Pod

Coconut oil- I read a lot of good things about coconut oil. And I already had it in my pantry, so I didn't want to spend too much on stretch mark creams. And my Dr. said people will get stretch marks whether they use stuff or not- it depends on the girl. So I mainly use it to keep my skin soft and stretchy so I don't get gigantic tiger stripes- if I can help it. So far , no marks on my belly. Some small marks on my hips, thighs and bum is all. It goes on amazingly well and then I just smell good for a while. I also use it as an evening facial moisturizer and on my hair after my hair clarifying shampoo days. $10 amazon 

Snoogle- This pillow has helped me so much. Around 20 weeks I started to get hip pains at night and this pillow helped relieve a lot of that for me. I bought a cover for it so I can keep it clean all the time, however the cover is hard to put on and take off. It kind of reminded me of a condom too, haha. $60 pillow and cover, Amazon and Pea in the Pod

My other second trimester staples included Wes's t-shirts.  They were just comfy to sleep and lounge around in. house slippers and boy shorts underwear- both equally comfy. 

Other Moo-ccessities 

Prenatal vitamins- I took these in my first trimester too, after trying a few brands, they were the only ones that didn't make me nauseous. $20 amazon , cheaper at Costco but they haven't carried them the last couple times I've been there

Prenatal Massages- I feel really spoiled here. I got a package of 8 massages and I look forward to them so much! The lady who is the LMT is also a midwife and she's amazing and so full of information, different information from my Dr, who's a man and is also 70 years old. She is great and I get an amazing foot scrub before each massage and I'm to the point now where I get belly rubs. I really don't know what I'd do with out these massages. There are some studies that show the endorphins released during a massage can last up to two weeks, and that can't hurt anything right? Happy mommy, happy baby, happy husband...?  6 massages for $360 and you get $25 gift card for every $100 you spend so I have a few of those racked up to pay for my other massages, Sanctuary Day Spa 

 

A supportive Husband- I didn't realize how amazing some men can get while their wives go through a pregnancy. It helps so much to have a supportive husband- even if he doesn't understand the hormones and the aches and uncomfortableness. Wes is great at just 'trying' and lends a hand. There are times when he forgets I can't move as fast anymore ha ha, but he's always there to help me get comfortable or tell me I'm the cutest pregnant lady he's seen- even with a basketball game on- that's a big deal ;) . And he's always good for a cravings run :)  He has become very protective of me and our little package, too- he worries just as much as I do about our entire well being and safety. He is going to be a pretty spectacular Dad :) 

Mission: Baby Miller: First Trimester Goodies

I am not a pregnancy  expert, but I thought I would share what worked for me during each of my trimesters. 

As I am approaching my third (YEP! I know- eep!!) I thought it was interesting, the changes I made to make each trimester comfortable for me. I know everyone is different in their experiences, but maybe some of my likes might be the same or be helpful :) I always liked reading about others experiences, as well- and that partly motivated me to also share these things. 

First, my skin care regimen changed a bit as I wanted to make sure all my products were pregnancy safe- there is so much out there to scare the living day lights out of you during the first trimester. Seriously- it makes you wonder about all the other stuff you did pre pregnancy that may affect your developing fetus. 

Belli Acne Spot Treatment- I broke out like crazy my first trimester. I picked this up at Pea in a Pod , you will see as my posts go on ,that's one of my favorite stores. Amazing stuff and I still have a ton left. $15

Dermalogica Active Moist- I was already familiar with dermalogica but it took me getting all facially concerned to make my big purchase. $45

Simple Face Wash- no soaps or parabens, fragrance and dye free. And reasonably priced. $7

Then, I prepared for a body that would be changing- and of course- had a good excuse to go shopping ;) 

Maternity tank tops from Old Navy- I have them in every color and pattern just about, they are long, wash well, layer well, and cover my boobs. Plus they have that elastic side so it just keeps growing with the bump. $12 each or cheaper if on clearance 

Basic Maternity tees from Old Navy. Same stuff as the tanks but with sleeves. I bought them in stripes and solids. $8 or cheaper 

A chambray shirt one size bigger than I normally wear and a basic black blazer and many cardigans in my pre pregnancy size and various colors- these items are awesome to finish a look. And they layer well and go with everything! $20-$50 

Let's talk maternity leggings- they are comfortable! And even better- they are comfortable with or without a bump. But I have a beef with some leggings so I really made sure I spent my money on the right ones- mainly the fabric. You know what I'm talking about- the cheapo ones that you can see your skin through! I feel bad for girls every time I see them fall victim to that.  The ones above are from Target - and they are Liz Lange Ponte Pants. they are thicker and have a dressy feel to them. Better option for the office. $30

My other preference were these from Pea in the Pod. I got black and gray, these are very soft and layer well with long shirts and knee high boots and don't ride up. $40

Jeans- I bought a wide leg, a skinny and black. I only wore these my first trimester- I didn't pay an arm and leg for them thank goodness, cause when I reached my second trimester- I didn't even want to look at them anymore. I got them from Pea in the Pod and Destination Maternity on sale. As soon as I noticed my widening hips- these jeans weren't comfortable anymore. $20-$30

Maternity Cargo Pants- What I still love are these! From Pea in the Pod- they go from capris to full length and I wear them still. I don't think the white pants rule applies seasonally to pregnant women ;) they have them in khaki too. I just got the white ones cause they were on sale. $15

I was able to still wear some normal clothes for a while, too. The fluffy loose shirt like this one I got from Bohme, helped me stay comfy and feel like I was hiding that " not quite showing yet but bloated like hell" phase.  Shirts and pants both from Bohme $30 and $40

I can't wait to share my second trimester goodies- I sure did change a lot!