My Pregnancy Journey: Embracing Change
If you’ve recently read The Spring Newsletter or follow along on Instagram, you’re are probably already aware that I am pregnant with baby number two! I am so looking forward to this next chapter, but when my pregnancy journey first began I knew I needed to approach this second experience with an open heart. It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons or expectations, so this time, I’ve consciously worked to keep myself free of them, letting each experience unfold without pressure. Embracing change, being open to what’s to come, and trusting that each pregnancy is unique has been the mindset I’ve aimed for throughout. Read on to learn about my experience in each of my trimesters.
The First Trimester
When I first found out I was pregnant I was overjoyed, filled with a sense of excitement and calm. Our family was growing, soon I would be too, and our next big adventure was officially underway.
The first trimester brought along some normal symptoms and I experienced a bit of nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Those early days were a bit of a blur, but there was one special moment I’ll never forget. I had a dream, which I was never able to fully remember, but when I woke that morning I knew we were having a daughter and what her name would be. It felt like a beautiful sign, and of course, my husband thought I was crazy.
During this time our family vacationed in Italy for a couple of weeks (look out for a post on this coming soon where I share our hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations). It was while we were away and feeling truly relaxed that all those first trimester symptoms subsided and I started to feel like myself again. It was also at this time that I started to show! Although to anyone else looking they probably thought I was enjoying my fair share of irresistible pasta dishes!
The Second Trimester
Early into the second trimester it was time for another scheduled ultrasound. I laughed when the technician told me that it was hard for her to get pictures because the baby wouldn’t stop moving. It was early into the second trimester that I began feeling little butterfly movements. This was much earlier than my first pregnancy, but I suppose the second time around you’re more in tune with those small fluttering kicks. It’s amazing how the body seems to know what to expect.
During this point in my pregnancy journey I felt wonderful. I was bursting with energy and I channeled that into making plans with family and friends, truly enjoying the fall season. We had multiple outings to different apple orchards and pumpkin patches. Georgia had playdates with her girlfriends, and of course we had her annual fall photoshoot in her Halloween costume. This past fall was filled with warm weather and we took as much advantage of that as possible. Halloween itself was a perfect fall night that seemed right out of a movie!
It was in late October that we decided to book time in with one of our favourite photographers, Amanda Sheer, to shoot for both our pregnancy announcement as well as our Christmas photos. Sharing a few of those below!
The Third Trimester
As I entered the third trimester of my pregnancy journey, I’ve focused on preparing for baby number two. Nesting has become a large part of my life that I have been completely unable to control. The desire to clean, reorganize, and tear apart our home has been like none other.
One exciting part of this journey is that the girls will share a room – did I mention, it’s a girl? We announced that over on Instagram over Christmas. Having them share a space feels special and I hope in years to come it gives them a bond like no other. We’ve been reusing as much as possible from our early years with Georgia, but there are still a few new items I’ve bought, some of which I absolutely love. From baby gear to some thoughtful purchases for my own comfort, I’ll share my favourites below as we gear up for the big day.
Baby Products
- Klorane – Laboratoires Klorane are French made products with an entire baby care range. Their products are tested under pediatric control, suitable for babies from birth and have been formulated as biodegradable.
- La Rosée – Another French brand I have quickly taken a liking to. The product I’m linking here is a liniment, which is what the french use during diaper care instead of wipes. A more in depth blog post on this is soon to come explaining ingredients commonly used, method, history and more.
- Momcozy – Colostrum collector. Colostrum, also referred to as liquid gold, starts to establish in pregnant mothers as early as 20 weeks pregnant and is what is produced in the first 3 – 5 days after giving birth. You can begin collecting it around 37 weeks pregnant. You should consult with your physician or OBs if planning to collect it while still pregnant for their review and approval as there may be risks of going into premature labour. Colostrum is rich is nutrients, high in protein, is easy for baby to digest and helps to strengthen your baby’s immune system.
What's to come?
Stay on the lookout for my next motherhood and lifestyle posts where I’ll share what I’m packing in my hospital bag, rearranging the girls room, and my birth experience. In the meantime, if you want to read more now, visit some of my past motherhood posts on the blog to catch up on my journey with Georgia. I’m so excited to continue sharing my pregnancy journey and connecting with you during this special time.
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