This post may contain affiliate links.
Picture from this morning’s OB appointment <3
Shop outfits:
We are getting closer and closer to being out of the first trimester and I couldn’t be more happy about it. HA Mainly just because risks go down, hopefully I’ll being feeling better and for whatever reason in my head, 12 feels more acceptable to me to start rocking more maternity clothes. 😉 Because right now I feel like, holy cow I should still be fitting in normal clothes and barely am. It’s been a weird difference from Blake’s, but I’ve heard this is just the second pregnancy.
Feelings…so far honestly, my emotions have continued to stay all over the place. I don’t remember feeling like this with Blake at all and honestly, have kind of had the “pregnancy blues” the last couple of weeks which has been a struggle. But I’m trying to be patient with myself and remind myself that well, my body is changing and my hormones are super whacky so cut yourself some slack. It’s been hard to get used to though. I definitely had postpartum depression after Blake and went on meds for that, so I’m familiar, but I haven’t ever experienced it during pregnancy so this is new. I went back on a safe anxiety medication though last week, prescribed by my OB so hopefully that starts kicking in soon. My anxiety is definitely what gets the best of me and starts this downward spiral of things, so I think I’ll feel better if we can get that under control.
Also side note, if you felt this during pregnancy I’m interested to hear your stories + take on it and what you did that helped. And, if you’re pregnant currently and feeling this, no you’re SO not alone. HA!
Now, let’s answer some questions that came in via IG, I’ll do my best to answer most of them, but there were a lot of repeats or questions I’ve answered before so I’m sorry if I miss yours!
Q: How was your delivery with Blake? Early? Late? Natural?
A: My delivery with Blake honestly wasn’t too terrible, you can read her birth story, here. I was induced though because her fluid was so low for a long time, so they said, it’s time let’s get her out! My recovery though – miserable. So I am trying to figure out how I can make that better this round. I just didn’t heal properly, got an infection in my stitches, like it was messy. SOOO send me tips now!
Q: Are you finding out the gender?
A: YES! We actually did genetic testing, so we should know sometime today 😉 But will announce it this weekend sometime!
Q: How am I feeling?
A: Ya know, it’s hit or miss really. HA! I was put on medication for my nausea and well, that’s been night and day difference (knock on wood). I’m still pretty nauseous throughout the day but it’s NOTHING like it was and for the most part I can handle it. So hopefully that stays like that! I wouldn’t be mad if the nausea went away all together though 😉
Q: When’s your due date?
A: September 22nd!
Q: What’s your go to snack for morning (all day) sickness?
A: You’re going to laugh but….mini saltines + fruit snacks. HA! I don’t know why but like sucking on fruit snacks is life to me currently. HA!
Q: Current cravings?
A: It basically changes everyday. HA But I will say for sure, fruit the last couple of weeks. However every once in awhile I crave CRAZY things like last night, I HAD TO HAVE PIZZA. HA So I get these weird spur of the moment things, but consistently for a couple weeks now, fruits like oranges, strawberries, grapessss, all that.
Q: Plans on extra embryos once you’re done growing your family?
A: This was a really hard decision for Marcus and I to make, not going to lie and you’re really only given three options. But ultimately we’ve decided to donate the remaining ones we don’t use to science.
Q: Where did you do your genetics testing through?
A: A private company here in the area! Just went in for blood work and that was it! HA
Q: What do you think you’re having?
A: I’m convinced boy. HA! Mainly because everything has been NIGHT AND DAY different from Blake’s pregnancy. HA However, his or his heartbeat has been high like Blake’s was so I really have no freaking idea.
Q: Do you have name ideas?
A: Yes and no. We definitely have names we love individually and like one we agree on together, but I don’t think anything is set in stone. No joke – baby names is one thing Marcus and I will probably never agree on. HA!
Q: Will you be sharing maternity clothes you like?
A: YES! I am just now starting to really dive into that and shop for them! So absolutely!
Q: Did you have a c-section or vaginal birth with Blake?
A: Vaginal
Q: How are you telling Blake the gender?
A: I have a cute little idea up my sleeve, stay tuned! 😉 I’ll post the video for sure!
Q: Have you purchased anything yet for baby?
A: Yes. HA I have zero chill, seriously I couldn’t even help myself. I bought a tiny rust romper from Childhoods Clothing that way it would work for either gender.
Q: Are you bumping yet?
A: I would say yes, a little bit. HA It’s hit a lot faster this time and I’m like I’m not gonna be able to be discrete much longer, soooo I’m sure there will be a bump pic or two here soon 😉
Q: Do you do family names for middle names?
A: We did with Blake, but I’m not sure if that was a coincidence or thing we will do. Haha I think it might be a tradition though, this babe will most likely have a family middle name too. I just like that meaning it gives it!
Q: Do you have any pregnancy pillow recommendations?
A: NOOO I was actually going to ask you guys for this! Soooo send over your best reccs if you have them 😉 HA
Q: Can you do video updates and IGTV pregnancy styles and reccs?!
A: Heck yeah, if you guys want that and it’s something you would be interested in, happy to! That would be fun!
Q: Most important thing you’ve learned since becoming a Mom?
A: This is a hard one, but I think the biggest thing is “grace”. Giving myself a little grace, most days more than not honestly. Learning that it’s okay if I don’t finish things, if I slip up and yell at my little one that day, if I lose my patience, whatever it is – just saying, tomorrow is a new day and remembering that I’m doing my best.
Q: Did you do acupuncture with your IVF cycle?
A: We did not, only because the acupuncturist was super booked and couldn’t get us in, in time, but I’ve heard incredible things about doing it!
Alright, I think I’ve hit the majority of them, but will save some for next time HA! Before I totally bore you to death. If I see any other big ones come in I’ll add em’ in throughout the day!
Ashley says
My first birth I tore a bit but it wasn’t horrible. It was uncomfortable for sit for a week or two though. I just gave birth 6 weeks ago and had no tearing and no healing issues. I was sitting comfortably crossed legged when my midwives came to visit my house the day after birth. I think what really helped was my birthing position and having my midwives help stretch me. I didn’t have an epidural with either birth which I think really helped me to know when to hold back a bit and let myself naturally stretch out vs pushing so hard that I tore. Not tearing was something I spoke with my midwives about and they had suggestions on things to do as well like give birth on my hands and knees or squatting. But in the end deliver for both babies was great and so was recovery.
Frankie says
I was really happy when I was pregnant with my oldest son. Over the moon happy. After he was born? Postpartum depression. With my second, I was miserably depressed for a majority of the pregnancy. I kept it hidden from my OB and absolutely regretted it. Postpartum depression again after my second son was born. For my third, I finally got help because I was absolutely miserable. In my case, my symptoms were exaggerated because of bipolar disorder. Once I was put on bipolar medication things started to get better. My daughter was born this past summer and I haven’t been hit hard like I did with the boys thanks to keeping up with my medication.
I had hyperemesis gravidarum with all three kids. Unfortunately, medication didn’t help me. Avoiding foods or smells that made me feel nauseous helped. Sea bands made it so I was still nauseous but no longer vomiting constantly. Changing my prenatals to ones without iron helped. The kind that’s in prenatals makes me sick, so I had to try a different form of iron. Small, bland, and frequent meals saved me with my oldest son. I was really sick until about six months along. After that I was just nauseous but not having to vomit.
Jess Oakes says
OH Mama, you’re strong!!! Thank you for sharing your experience!!!
Kandice says
I’d say second time around, recovery is way better. I even had a 9 pound baby who was 2 pounds more than my first and I felt wayyyyy better wayyy sooner. Even with stitches.
I’m 18 weeks with my 3rd right now, and I totally feel you with the blues. I’ve been taking extra vitamin D which is maybe helping? Anyway- hang in there, and thanks for being so open with your life and story! Xoxo
Jess Oakes says
Thank you!!!! This is good to hear, I’m going to try vitamin D too – good idea!
susie liberatore says
I love hearing your journey and story. You look like you are glowing mama. Amazing that is!