Some of you might have noticed I’ve been a little MIA here, and well that’s because I’ve been busy growing a human!
It’s honestly still a shock to say I am pregnant, even as I sit here 29 weeks pregnant with a belly that’s getting bigger by the day (are you sure it just isn’t my big lunch?!). But I truly just can’t believe it!
I wanted to finally sit down and share our pregnancy announcement, along with an honest recap of my first and second trimesters — what surprised me, what helped, and how this season has quietly shifted my perspective in the best possible ways!
Love note: I write this with love and hugs to those trying to start a family, those who have experienced loss, and those unsure about parenthood — 🤍
The First Trimester
….HIT ME LIKE A TRUCK! But before we dive into that, let’s start from the beginning…
We saw a positive pregnancy test a few days before my missed period and boy was that line dark! I was shocked and convinced it couldn’t be, so a few days later we took another test and (well of course), it was positive! We were thrilled, but in such disbelief as this was only our first month trying. I had convinced myself it was going to be a long, and difficult process, much to the thanks of what I had read online. I’d love to write more about our conceiving journey because I truly believe everything we did for the 2+ years leading up to trying was what made it happen so quickly for us.
Anyways, week 5 came quick and I couldn’t believe how nauseous I was. We had our first appointment with our OB at 8 weeks and at this appointment she prescribed me ‘Cariban’ which was a lifesaver until about week 18.
The first trimester was honestly a lot, between the nausea, which was still there even with the medication, to extreme exhaustion, and just mentally grasping actually being pregnant — it was a whirlwind. I was completely disgusted by the smell of our house, couldn’t step foot into the grocery store, and don’t even get my started on opening the fridge (I don’t think I did until at least week 11). My movement slowed down, and when I could I focused on light mat pilates workouts, deep core strengthening via breath, and lots of stretching.
What Helped Me Survive the First Trimester
- Eating something as soon as I woke up: my husband would bring me a protein muffin, cheese and Ritz crackers, or some salted almonds that I would nibble on before getting out of bed.
- Breakfast: oatmeal was my go-to, and still actually is, as soon as I am out of bed. I enjoyed Manitoba Harvest’s instant superseed oatmeal. As a nutrition coach, I am especially mindful of protein, omega-3s, and fiber — nutrients that support both baby’s development and steady blood sugar (which can help with nausea). You can shop it here!
- Swapping coffee for tea: this is pretty common but there was no way I was getting any coffee down, so we swapped to a pregnancy safe tea I picked up from our pharmacy, or peppermint tea.
- Eating every hour: the longer I waited to eat anything, the worse my nausea was so even if it was some crackers, toast, or fruit, eating every hour was essential.
- Letting go: this was a big one for me, and it meant letting go of anything and everything — work, expectations, worries — it all had to be left in the past and all I needed to do was focus on growing this little baby in my belly!
Aside from not feeling ‘fabulous’ this trimester, we enjoyed pumpkin season to the fullest, cooked amazing meals (thanks to the hubs), celebrated 3 years being married, saw Dermot Kennedy in concert (again!), and cried a lot as we soaked in this new phase of life.
The Second Trimester
They say your energy comes back in the second trimester and for the first few weeks I wasn’t so sure that would be the case, but around week 15/16, I really started to feel much more like myself again (after fighting a terrible bout of the flu!). I was able to get back to my workouts, cooking again, and really get into home and nursery planning, and all in all just soaking up pregnancy.
A few highlights from this trimester!
- We found out we are having a little girl!
- We went to Portugal for my husband’s birthday and had an absolute blast
- Celebrated the holidays as just us two. After seven christmases together this felt bittersweet ❤️
- Found my dream push present (peep the pics below)
- Still sleeping great and no back or body pain — it’s possible ladies!
- Picked out our little girls name and it feels so perfect!
During this time we also felt the baby girl move for the first time! I have an anterior placenta so I didn’t feel much movement until about week 20, and even then it was still light and seldom. This was actually the most annoying and frustrating question I kept getting from family “have you felt the baby move lots yet?“. Word of advice, don’t ask your pregnant friends this. I was reassured by the doctor that because of my placenta position I wouldn’t feel much and that was completely okay, but every time someone asked this it made me worry.
At the end of this trimester, weeks 25-27 we headed to the U.S. for our baby shower in Portland, OR and went to Hawaii for our baby moon and that was all just the best! It was so nice to be back in the U.S. and get to do all the “normal” things we don’t get to do here. We shopped for baby things, ate at our favorite restaurants (aka I was able to finally satisfy my pregnancy cravings!), see old friends and family, and then unplug at the beach.
The Third Trimester
At 29 weeks pregnant, I can honestly say I feel the best I’ve felt yet! My energy feels really high, movement and exercise are going great, and my head space feels more clear and balanced than it’s felt over the past few months. We are in baby countdown and truly can’t believe we only have roughly 75 days until we get to meet our little one and start our new life together!
Some Thoughts….
As my mind finally feel clear and like I can focus and work a bit again, I have been thinking a lot about this space going forward — how it can evolve with me, but also still be a creative outlet, fulfill me, and (provide that nice little side hustle income) as it has in the past.
I know many of you found me through travel guides, packing lists, or Switzerland content — and that isn’t going anywhere (totally). But this season has changed me! It’s slowed me down, it’s made me think more intentionally about wellness, home, motherhood, style, and the kind of life we’re building — both online and in real life.
So, while you’ll still find travel guides and outfit inspiration here, you’ll also start seeing more about pregnancy, motherhood, nutrition, and what this new chapter looks like for us.
This space is growing with me. And I’m so grateful you’re here for it. 💛
As always, please leave a comment below about anything! What you’d like to see me create a post on, questions you have, how you found me, anything.
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