Second Trimester

There’s a bump!

The bump officially made its clear debut around week 17. Early on, I was pretty bloated so it felt like I already had a bump but once it made its appearance, it was unmistakable. I’ve always heard not to hold out and get maternity pants sooner than later so that’s what I did. My very kind neighbor Stephanie gave me all of her cute maternity clothes to borrow. Definitely so helpful and appreciated. Thank you, Stephanie!

Here’s some photos of the bump progress this second trimester…

The word is out.

All of our family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, bosses, and acquaintances now know we are expecting (especially considering the size of my belly!). We took the staggered approach to telling people. We told our families first, around the holidays, then told friends after getting past that first trimester and then rounded everything out with a postcard to our aunts and uncles and a social media post to inform the rest. It felt more and more real as we told others and we felt so much genuine excitement from them that it only made us more excited. What’s even more exciting is that one of my best friends, Stephanie, is expecting her second baby, exactly two weeks before us. We met up in March and got to talk all about pregnancy and babies. So much fun to go through this at the same time!

Baby kicks.

At the end of week 18, I felt the first baby movements known as quickening. The weeks before, I started to wonder if and when I’d start feeling movement from the baby. Quickening is usually felt anywhere between 13 weeks (typically second-time+ moms) and 25 weeks. So, just when I started to think, will this happen soon, it did. We were watching Modern Family, and I was sitting on the couch and felt a “bubble-like” feeling in my stomach. From the reading I’d done, I had a good feeling it was the baby, so I announced to Ryan across the room, “I think I felt the baby move!” Then, seconds later I felt the same type of feeling, near the same exact spot. Since then, I’ve felt the baby move more and more and am pretty used to it by now. There seems to be times where the baby is more active than others (typically early in the morning at work and later at night). Ryan was able to feel the baby right at 24 weeks. It was fun to be able to finally have him feel the baby.

20-week ultrasound

We had our 20-week ultrasound and everything looks great with the baby. We got a full anatomy lesson as the ultrasound tech pointed out the baby’s brain, heart, spine, kidneys, hands, feet, and more. We are not finding out sex. And, that’s probably a good thing because the baby was being modest and had its legs tight together. The baby was very active that morning so we didn’t really get any great snapshots of him or her. But, that’s okay, we are just happy to hear the baby is growing and developing as they should.

How I’m feeling.

Everyone I run into always ask how I’m feeling … which is such a nice gesture. I continue to feel great. I’m done with my work-out class and have transitioned to doing some DVD work-outs at home and trying to do a little running. I know it will continue to get harder but while I’m feeling good, I might as well keep it up! Sleeping is getting a bit more interrupted. I purchased a maternity pillow and have been using that. Although it was strange the first night, I’m totally used to it now. I’m starting to gain weight and am feeling more and more hungry (didn’t know that could be possible considering how much I already love food and eating). No strange cravings yet!

Nursery Progress

I’m making a list of priorities and at the top was getting the nursery ready. I think once it is complete, I can focus on preparing for everything else we’ll need when we bring the baby home. We have the crib up, bedding, rocker in place, and Ryan is wrapping up his work on the mid-century dresser he refinished. Progress is fun and once we’re done, I feel my mind will be less cluttered and can focus on what’s next … the baby shower!

Baby Registry

I have started to put a registry together and am close to finalizing everything. At first, it was fun selecting little items here and there that I liked and knew we needed for the baby. Then, it became more stressful once I started to think about the big items that we need. Stroller, car seat, high chair, swing, bassinet. So many options, so many reviews, so many choices. I'm a researcher so although it is easiest to pick something that’s stylish … or affordable … I always strive to find something that fits our lifestyle, our needs. And, to get there takes lots of research, reading and comparing. I have great friends who were more than willing to offer up their thoughts and give me advice on what to really look for. My sisters and sister-in-laws are hosting a couples shower for us at our house near the end of June. We can’t wait to see friends and family and celebrate!

Babymoon

At week 23, we took a little Babymoon to Charleston, SC. Feel free to read that post for the full recap!

13 weeks to go!

I feel like the second trimester went much faster than the first. I think that’s primarily due to keeping the pregnancy a secret throughout much of the first and knowing there was a chance of losing the baby. Now, I can openly talk about the baby, make plans (and freak out here and there) and anticipate his or her arrival. I thought I’d hate being pregnant but so far I am actually enjoying it. Sure, I miss having a beer with friends, or going for a bike ride or wearing my normal clothes (okay… yes. the maternity pants really are pretty comfortable!) but it all pales so much in comparison to the joy I feel growing this little one. I guess my motherly instincts are already kicking in!