Here we grow again…
I’m thrilled to share that we are expecting our second child in March 2021! I didn’t journal my pregnancy with Ben, so I’m hoping to do so a bit more with this one so that I’ll be able to look back and reminisce on what this experience was really like.
My Initial Reaction
…was pure happiness. We’ve always hoped and prayed for multiple children, so to be able to give Ben a sibling who will be close in age, and to be adding another tiny human to our family is a dream come true. However, I also think it’s important to be honest and convey the fact that I feel a little more grounded / conservative in my excitement this time (if that’s the right way to put it) because I have a better idea about what’s coming. I don’t mean that in an entirely negative way, but caring for a newborn, in particular, is HARD – so I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about how it’s going to go, especially since we have a toddler who still depends on us entirely and requires 24/7 supervision. I think it’s going to be chaotic (and will likely drive me to the point of losing my mind) at many points in time, but also entirely wonderful.
Physical Changes
My pregnancy with Ben was extremely smooth. I never got morning sickness, and I felt pretty good up until the end of the third trimester when I couldn’t even bend down and put on my own shoes. This time, it’s been much more physically challenging from the start. I was sick with nausea (though I never threw up) for 3 weeks straight which was truly awful. I tried saltine crackers, ginger ale and sea bands to no avail. The last thing I bought to try were these Pink Stork morning sickness candies – but by the time they arrived the daily morning sickness had gone away (thankfully).
I’ve also been WAY more tired this time around – which I guess was expected since I have a highly active toddler on the go! I have to say that having been able to work remotely during this time has been a blessing in disguise because being sick and exhausted at the office would not have been enjoyable. My belly also “popped” this time around week 12, so all of that combined would have been hard to hide at work until we were ready to share the news.
Diet and Appetite
With Ben, my pregnancy “diet” was basically a free for all. I lived for mac and cheese and chocolate milk, and couldn’t even consider eating a salad or anything healthy. It just didn’t appeal to me all, and honestly, it was the first time in over a decade that I hadn’t been overly concerned about my diet or weight, which was truly liberating.
At the time, I also wasn’t all that worried about it because my doctor never expressed any concerns about my weight gain. However, looking back, I wish I’d tried harder to be even a little more healthy – maybe I would have been able to “bounce back” faster. Anyways, it is what it is, and I vowed that the next time I’d try a little harder – and I have!
I don’t live on salads or any type of intense health diet, but I do eat healthy / homemade food the majority of the time, and definitely during the work week, while also enjoying the casual box of zebra cakes! I don’t want to completely deprive myself of sweets or junk when I want it, but I wouldn’t say it’s as much of a craving as it was the last time around.
Running
If you know me, you can probably guess that no, I didn’t stop running during the first trimester. Due to the fact that running is such an important part of my life, I’m going to follow this post up with another that focuses entirely on what it’s been like to run during early pregnancy, and how this time has been different than the last. So, more to come on that front…
That’s all for now! Tell me all about your first trimester – whether it’s with your first, second, third or fourth baby! Do we have anything in common? xoxo