Pregnancy Confessions

We are several weeks past the "half way mark" in this pregnancy so I thought it might be fun to document the "things I've learned thus far" as well as list a few "confessions" and "must haves". 

• The first trimester is tough. You feel happy, worried, scared, apprehensive, tired and SICK AS A DOG all at the same time...yet, you feel on top of the world and excited about the future. It's a roller coaster! I was so so so happy to find out we were carrying a little bean yet scared to be happy about it until we hit the "safe zone". I worried about every little ache and pain and was wrought with morning sickness. I counted down the minutes until I reached my 12th week (hoping I'd feel better) but didn't want to rush my pregnancy. I'm sure I'm not the only crazy mama who felt this way.
• When I woke up on the Monday I "turned" 12 weeks pregnant it was like a light switch turned off the morning sickness! I felt like a million bucks! I reached the "safe zone", I was no longer sick (yet the day before I was puking my guts up) and I could finally tell the world we were expecting! I have heard from lots of mamas that they felt the same way- all of a sudden they felt great!
• While the "all day sickness" stops at 12 weeks- brushing your teeth remains to be a dangerous task. At almost 26 weeks pregnant, I still have some mornings where my toothbrush brings back the "icks". Just being honest! My poor sinks have seen their fair share of puke these past 25 weeks. Some sights and smells (raw chicken, stinky trash) also get to you throughout pregnancy.
•  The second trimester is a dream. You feel amazing! You have your energy back, you are excited and ready to concur this thing called pregnancy. You start to feel your baby move, you get to hear that little heartbeat, you can find out the sex and your belly really starts to grow. I am in love with this stage of pregnancy. I feel like I could be pregnant forever if I continue to feel this way!
• Speaking of a squirming little baby- there is no sweeter feeling than feeling your little miracle bounce around in your belly. I am in amazement every time Colin moves. I will miss it in a few months.
• I thought I'd miss wine more than I do. Mocktails are doing the trick just fine. :) Just put it in a fancy glass and you'd never know the difference. :)
• Your growing belly is not squishy. It's cute and rock hard. I wish it stayed this solid post baby!
• Being pregnant is the most amazing experience. I know I am going to greatly miss it when Colin comes. However, it will be an even better experience to have him here!!!

My quick list of pregnancy "must haves" thus far:

• Gingerale! I could not have survived my first trimester without this little gem. I love it in a wine glass- seriously. 
• Sea Bands. I don't know if these things actually work for morning sickness but when I had them on, I felt better. It could be psychological but I didn't care- anything to stop the queasiness! My dear friend Kristin sent these to me very early on- she is a life saver!
• Old navy maternity yoga pants. These are the MOST comfortable pants ever. I could live in them.
• Palmers coco butter stretch mark cream. I've been slathering this stuff on the bump daily (since about a week after I found out I was preggo) and I have yet to see one of those little buggers. Bonus: it smells like chocolate!
• Long and lean tank tops-I like target and H&M brands. They are so comfortable and can be dressed up with a sweater or down with the aforementioned yoga pants. They aren't maternity clothes either so I will continue to wear them once our little guy arrives. :)
• Camelbak Reddy water bottle. I cannot seem to get enough water these days. I fill this thing up 4-5 times a day and carry it with me everywhere.
• A stocked fridge with healthy food choices. I'm already a picky eater...being pregnant has made it worse. On days where the fridge is empty and nothing sounds appealing, I am an absolute nightmare. Bless my poor husbands heart for dealing with me and my food aversions.
• The "Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy" and "What to Expect When you are Expecting" both have been great reads. They are wonderful at explaining the ins and outs of pregnancy and what to expect over the 10 months your little one is growing.
• As long as I'm being honest in this post- you want to invest in comfortable undergarments (nobody says undergarments anymore but I know my Dad would have a heart attack if I said Panties on my blog...Hi DAD!) The last thing you need during pregnancy is to be unnecessarily uncomfortable- suck it up and go buy some comfortable undergarments.
• My latest must have- TUMS! I am dealing with some serious heartburn lately. I try not to take any medication (Tylenol, Tums, etc.) unless I am absolutely uncomfortable and cannot sleep. I've had to take Tums a few times in order to get some rest.
• A wonderful support system. I know not everyone has this, and I feel so blessed that I do. I would not have enjoyed this pregnancy so much if it was not for my wonderful husband, family and friends. They've helped me through the questions/concerns, milestones and celebrations. Colin is one lucky and loved little baby!

Happy Weekend!!