Pregnancy Must-Haves

Well, I'm officially 22 weeks pregnant! Time is zooming by at lightening speed this time around. Today I thought I'd share my pregnancy must-haves with you all! I've gotten a lot of questions about what I'm really loving this pregnancy and what I'm still using from pregnancy #1. Below are just a few of my current favorites! Let me know if you have any questions.

Ingrid & Isabel Camis & Leggings: By far two of my favorite items from pregnancy #1! As soon as my regular pants didn't fit, I pulled them out asap! They are so simple yet so chic. When you're not feeling the best, and running around taking care of a toddler, fuss free is the way to be and that's just what the Ingrid & Isabel Camis and Leggings entail-- NO FUSS! I like to throw a sweater on over the cami, a button down, or even a long sweatshirt. The leggings and cami grow with your changing body and growing belly- there is just so much to rave about with these and they don't break the bank! Definitely a great simple yet sophisticated maternity look. 

Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow: I spoke about how much I love this pillow in my last post! I put it under my growing baby bump and it takes so much strain off of my back. It's very versatile and can be put wherever you need to relieve aches and pains that come along with pregnancy. Such a great purchase! 

Rahua Shampoo & Conditioner: When I found out I was pregnant again, I knew I couldn't continue using my usual hair products because some of the ingredients in them, so right away I was on the hunt for an all natural, safe Shampoo and Conditioner. I had seen this brand before and use the hair gel (which I love for styling) so I figured I'd try it out! So far I actually really love it! It's so nice knowing that you're beauty routine doesn't have to suffer just because you're pregnant. 

BeautyCounter Body Wash: I am a HUGE fan of the BeautyCounter brand and have been for quite some time now. This body wash is safe and smells like a tropical vacation! Hey, a girl can pretend :-) Once you try this, you'll want everything else they sell- I'm also a major fan of their body lotion, face oil, and face masks. 

Honest Organic Body Oil: No Mama wants stretch marks! I use the Honest brand for Luca, as well as our daily household cleaning and laundry-- so I figured why not use it myself? I trust the brand and have found the oil to be a lifesaver for these dry, cold, winter days we've been having! 

Nurse Jamie Pillow: Oh man! I've been using this pillow for over a year and it is my FAVORITE! I used to wake up with killer headaches and neck aches- almost debilitating- but this pillow has changed my life! It's a great travel pillow as well (so versatile!). I also love that the silk pillow case helps prevent wrinkles and acne while you sleep. Can't get better than that! 

Elizabeth W Hot\Cold Pack: If you can't go to the spa, why not bring the spa to you?! This neck pillow is so relaxing! Since I've started having some trouble sleeping, this is my new nightly ritual. I heat this little baby up in the microwave and place it on my neck before dozing off to sleep. Zen! Hey, Mama's gotta pamper herself :-)

Splendid Tanks: These are another maternity staple of mine. They are super long and perfect for layering over my leggings! They come in white and black-- I have both! Plus, they can be used long after your pregnant! Such a great purchase. 

37 Weeks: Pregnancy Update

What I'm Wearing (36 Weeks- Left): Gypsy 05 Dress | Marit Rae Necklace | Rolex Watch | Hermes Bracelet (37 Weeks Right): Plum Pretty Sugar Robe

It's been awhile since I last posted anything so I thought I would post a pregnancy update. At 37 weeks going on 38,  I'm getting so close to giving birth- I can't even believe it! Of course the nerves are there but I really am just so excited to meet my baby boy! 

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How far along: 37 weeks

Gender: Baby Boy- We've picked the name Luca for baby.  

Total Weight Gained: 30 lbs. 

Maternity Clothes: I am still living in dresses that I owned pre-pregnancy! Dresses are the best for summer pregnancies- I swear! They keep me cool and keep growing with my belly bump. I have a total of 8 dresses that I'm down to that I can actually wear that still look flattering on (no more stripes at this point).  With so few choices I have been getting ready super quickly as of late and my hubby is loving every second of it. No more waiting on me to find an outfit! 

Stretch Marks: Thankfully none yet. Although I don't know how much more stretching my belly can do! I feel like the baby bump has grown at a rapid pace in the last few weeks.

How is having Type 1 Diabetes affecting pregnancy: With exercise being tough to fit in/do at this point in pregnancy and with craving more carbs (healthy for baby- difficult for managing diabetic numbers) it has definitely been a challenge to keep my numbers in perfect range the last few weeks. Actually though, in the last couple of days my daily dose of Lantis has lowered a ton. This is another thing I was warned about from my Diabetic Doctor- that nearing the end of pregnancy my body would be back in the mode where insulin will start working well again. The only thing I need to be careful of are lows in the middle of the night. So I always set my alarm at 2-3 hour incriments so that I wake up and take my finger poke. I then have a banana or juice if I need to raise my number. It is tough work and pretty tiring waking up so often, but I'd rather know that I am keeping my body healthy- hence baby healthy and keeping my lows at bay. Along with being pregnant with Type 1 Diabetes comes tons and tons of Doctor appointments. I've been getting Non-Stress tests done since week 34. These are great because they keep a close eye on baby and how baby is cooking- these are especially important for high risk pregnancies. Also, OBGYN appointments are up to every week since 34 weeks as well. It might be a lot of driving to the doctor- but for me, it makes me feel content and reassured. I'd rather have them checking on baby and making sure everything is alright then know nothing and keep guessing. It is also nice because if any questions come up, I get plenty of opportunities to ask them.

Sleep: Ummmm...not the best. A few weeks ago I had 3 pillows I slept with, now its doubled to about 6. I can still flip from one side to the other, it's just super uncomfortable and there is a lot of groaning that goes on. Also, this heat is definitely getting to me and making it even more difficult to sleep. Thank God for fans! I keep two on my throughout the night...ahhhh. 

Miss Anything: My favorite alcoholic summer beverage- a nice big ol' margarita, on the rocks with light salt (omg I miss salt too- I've been trying to lower my salt intake so that I don't swell). 

Cravings: Waffles, pancakes, eggs- basically rich breakfast food! I've always loved breakfast but as of late I could do breakfast in the am, afternoon and pm. I make sure that if I do eat these rich foods that I have whole wheat or flax filled carbs. This makes it a lot easier for my body to digest. Also, I've been craving tons of fruit as usual! Strawberries and Nectarines are the front runners. 

Exercise: I always am trying to keep busy by either cleaning, arranging things, moving around, doing some type of push ups or stretching. I don't want to just let myself waste away, but getting actual exercise is pretty tough and uncomfortable at this point, especially with baby dropping. I've also been swimming- amazing for getting rid of swelling and taking any pressure off my back and sore body parts. Swimming is also so refreshing and helps with this uncomfortable heat! 

Symptoms: Swelling- not fun at all! But like I said before, swimming has been a lifesaver! I would recommend it to anyone to rid of swelling and keeping aches and pains at bay. I've also had some not so fun burning/sharp pains right below belly by my pelvis. But I guess this is just my body getting ready for babies arrival and also could be baby on nerves and just wiggling around. I've had a few days where I just haven't wanted to move because that pain was just so awful! 

Belly Button in or out: Flat. I basically have no belly button of any kind. It looks crazy! lol 

Mood: Anxious, excited and frustrated. I am at the point where I am very, very ready to welcome baby Luca to the world! I think I have the same anxieties as any expectant mother, but my joy far outshines any nerves I have. 

Looking forward to: Making the most out of these next couple of weeks with just my hubby and I. We took a nice drive down Hwy 1 and next I think we are going to go to the movies! We want to do a few things that we know we won't be able to do for a little while. 

*As always I appreciate any advice or good tips for a soon to be mommy-to-be! 

32 Weeks: Pregnancy Update

What I'm Wearing (32 Weeks): Belle Gray White Dress (similar here & here) | Autumn Cashmere Sweater (similar here) | Scoop Panama Hat | OPI Nail polish in Don't Touch My Tutu

I am now officially 32 weeks pregnant so I thought it was about time that I post another pregnancy update. It's crazy how fast time is flying in the third trimester! I've been busy organizing, cleaning, and purchasing necessities aka "nesting." I've also been reading a ton of pregnancy books- just to double check if I'm really prepared! My girlfriend gave me the book "The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy" and it's amazing! I highly recommend it to any expecting mama-to-be because it's very blunt, real, and funny! I think my hubby and I will plan a few date nights, movie nights, and trips close by just so we can take advantage of these last few weeks of silence and relish in the calm before the storm (that will have a rainbow by the end of course).

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How far along: 32 Weeks

Gender: Baby boy

Total Weight Gained: 20 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Still living in stretchy dresses! It's actually been fun going through all my dresses and seeing what works, what accentuates the bump, and what hides it a bit more. I am still keeping my fingers crossed that all these dresses will work until I give birth- but we'll see.

Stretch Marks: Nope. Still applying Basq lotion and oil as much as I can.

How is having Type 1 Diabetes affecting pregnancy: Just as my Diabetic Doctor had warned me- I have noticed myself becoming a bit more insulin resistant- meaning I have to give myself more insulin than I did at the beginning to my pregnancy to correct my number. I take more daily insulin along with even more when I eat carbs. It gets a bit frustrating not being able to get my diabetic number down as easily or as quickly as I was able to do before. But I still stay on top of taking my finger poke as often as possible and writing down my numbers as well. Staying on top of my health is not only helpful for myself but for my little one as well, and that is what really makes me try so hard at doing a good job.

Sleep: Sleep has become a bit more uncomfortable than before. I find myself awake even more often than before and I also have to get up to use the restroom more than before. Baby is definitely getting bigger and taking up space!

Miss Anything: Same things as before. Wine, Sushi, Margaritas and a nice long hot bath!

Cravings: Fruit, fruit, and more fruit! Our fridge is stocked with all types of fruit- watermelon, pineapple, melon, blueberries, strawberries, nectarines, bananas. I just really love eating fruit! Pineapple is definitely still at the top of the list though :) A great dessert that I've been having is a little whip cream on some nectarine slices or strawberries- it hits the spot! As much as I am loving my fruit, I am not so keen on vegetables. The thought of cooked vegetables just does not sound appetizing to me whatsoever. So to get my greens, I've been trying to drink my favorite Glowing Green Smoothie a few times a week!

Exercise: Still walking a couple of times a week as well as swimming. I am definitely limiting doing anything too strenuous but I do try to break a sweat each day.

Symptoms: Our little one is frank breech- so It's been quite interesting trying to turn this baby over! He is pretty stubborn though because even after doing the forward leaning inversion, the breech tilt, and acupuncture this little guy has decided he wants to stay put in the same spot. I guess he's just really comfy! I have another appointment with my OB this week so we'll see what other ideas she has. I've heard that sometimes babies will just randomly flip on their own when they are ready- so I guess we'll just wait and see.

Belly Button in or out: In but it is definitely flattening out.

Mood: I've been feeling pretty upbeat and happy, with some nerves thrown in there of course. I keep envisioning what our little one will look like, or be like, or what hobbies he'll have- and then I'll get nervous thinking about if I'll be a good mother or am I ready for this?  It's nothing too abnormal I've heard- but in general I am just so happy to be pregnant and I'm still in such awe what women's bodies can do.

Looking forward to: Finishing up the nursery and some relaxing time before the baby comes!

29 Weeks: Pregnancy Update

What I was wearing (Week 29): Tart Dress | Hermes Bracelet | Society 6 iPhone Cover | Marit Rae Necklace

Happy Monday! I hope all you Mama's out there had an amazing Mother's Day! And I also hope you all had a great time showering your own Mother's with lots of love :)  I got my Mom some fun gardening tools and books on how to plant and take care of a vegetable garden. She has been wanting to plant her own vegetable and herb garden for so long now, so I thought this present would help kick start that project. I also topped off her present with the cutest gardening gloves by Gloveables (for a down and dirty present like gardening supplies I knew I had to throw something stylish in there).  

I am now officially 29 weeks pregnant and that 30 week mark is creeping up quickly, so I thought I'd share how everything is going and give an update on my pregnancy progression.

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How far along: 29 weeks

Gender: Boy! 

Total Weight Gained: 16 lbs. 

Maternity Clothes: I was living in my pregnancy leggings and tanks- but with the arrival of warm weather, I've now been living in cotton/stretchy dresses that I already own or that I've bought in my pre-prego size so that I can wear them after! The great thing is that they keep stretching with my belly and they are beyond comfortable! 

Stretch Marks: Not yet- fingers crossed! I am religiously applying Basq lotion and oil every am and pm. 

How is having Type 1 Diabetes affecting pregnancy: Being pregnant with pre-existing Type 1 Diabetes has not been as difficult as I had feared- but that's not to say it's been the easiest road. I've had Diabetes for almost 19 years- and knowing that my hubby and I were going to begin trying to get pregnant a few months ago I made sure that my blood sugar numbers were well controlled. Having good control and smart eating habits before getting pregnant has definitely been beneficial for my pregnancy. Not only do I have to see my OB often, but I've had to raise my Diabetic Doctor visits from once every 6 months to once a month since finding out I was pregnant. A huge benefit and something I would recommend to any other Diabetics who are pregnant is to have a food/insulin diary. I try to diligently write down almost everything I eat and what my blood sugar numbers and insulin intake has been each day. It has really been important to take my finger poke as much as possible and to keep an eye on my blood sugar levels. Eating smaller meals more often has also been great in helping me control my Diabetes. So far my Doctor has said that I have not only been healthier than most Diabetics who are pregnant, but than the average pregnant woman. I have to say it hasn't been the easiest, and it's a lot of hard work, but knowing that taking care of my Diabetes is beneficial for my little one's well-being means the world to me and inspires me to do well with my health each and every day. 

Sleep: I've been waking up a couple of times at night- my OB says that it is totally normal because it is your body preparing itself to wake up to feed a newborn. In all honesty- I have been waking up about 2-3 times every night since becoming pregnant to take my finger poke (important for managing my blood sugar numbers) so it hasn't seemed all that weird. A prego must have- a body pillow! 

Miss Anything: SUSHI! WINE! MARGARITAS! SOFT CHEESES! I am definitely missing all my favorite foodie items. And HOT BATHS/JACUZZI'S!

Cravings: Pineapple- I literally go to the store and buy a whole pineapple each day to cut up and eat. It's a serious addiction. I also crave eggs and macaroni and cheese. 

Exercise: I try to go on walks a couple times a week, and I also like to swim. Swimming feels amazing on my pregnant body because despite gaining all of this added weight, I get to feel weightless in the water. Such a good feeling! I also try to do a Pregnancy Bar Method DVD at least once or twice a week as well.

Symptoms: Headaches have been pretty bad- they are very sporadic, but when they hit they are intense. I put a heat wrap on my neck and relax with my feet up. Also, by the end of the day, my back is very sore.

Belly Button in or out: In.

Mood: I think I've been pretty even keeled during my pregnancy. I'm sure my hubby is tired of me complaining at night about my back hurting- but other than that it really hasn't been too much of an emotional roller-coaster. I am just LOVING being pregnant. I still can't believe what my body is able to do- it's so magnificent and beautiful to me. But I still have a couple months to go- so we'll see if the emotions begin to go haywire! 

Looking forward to: My baby shower next weekend and finishing decorating the nursery! 

Being pregnant has been the most amazing gift- I feel so lucky to be able to carry this little life inside of me. I can not wait to meet our little man! As always- I greatly appreciate any advice from other Mom's or Mama's to be. Enjoy your week! 

Pregnancy Essentials

1. Kind Bars | 2. Blender Bottle Sport Mixer | 3. Soapwalla Deodorant Cream | 4. Ingrid & Isabel Everyday Cami | 5. Leachco Total Body Pillow | 6. Tracy Anderson: The Pregnancy Project DVD | 7. Slim & Toned Prenatal Barre Workout DVD | 8. Ingrid & Isabel Belly Leggings | 9. Cortaid | 10. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | 11. The Bump Phone App | 12. Basq Resilient Body Oil | 13. Basq Advanced Stretch Mark Butter

So far my pregnancy has been amazing. A little nausea in the beginning with a few food aversions and most recently some pain from stretching in my tummy- but other than that it's really been such a joy being pregnant and experiencing such an incredible miracle. I feel very blessed.

Right when I found out I was pregnant, I began doing research, following blogs with women who had amazing pregnancy tips, talking with friends, and asking my doctor questions on what I should be doing/eating/and using. Above is my list of pregnancy essentials. 

I've tried to be pretty healthy with my pregnancy as far as eating and exercising goes. I have found that hunger pains hit at all times of day- so I always carry around a few Kind bars in my purse. They have been lifesavers! Being pregnant, it's very important to stay hydrated, so I always have my Blender Bottle filled with ice cold water with me at all times. It's crazy what you discover is ok and not ok to use during pregnancy. A good, safe deodorant was a big concern of mine. So when I discovered Soapwalla Deodorant Cream, I was beyond ecstatic. It's all natural and it actually WORKS! I think I will continue to use it even after I've given birth. My go to clothing items have been the Ingrid & Isabel Cami and Leggings. They really hold everything in, they are comfortable, and they are cute! What's not to love? I just change my sweater, shoes, and jewelry every day to keep it fresh and new. My sleep hasn't been too bad, but with the belly growing more and more each week and with more back pains than before, the Leachco Body Pillow has been wonderful. I had never noticed how fantastic it was until I slept one night without it while I was away- will not make that mistake again for the rest of my pregnancy. As far as exercising goes- I was doing the eliptical a ton at the begining, but with a bigger bump now I do walks and home DVD's. I like the luxury of not leaving the house to workout- plus I feel like I'm not losing all of my tone if I keep up with these pregnancy strength training exercises. 

As far as my beauty regimen- it has only slightly changed. I used to use a strong spot treatment on any zits that popped up, but I wanted to go with a more natural, safe way to treat acne now that I'm pregnant. Cortaid has been great for that- it actually works and doesn't dry out the skin- just the zit. I got this tip from one of my favorite blogs, The Honeybee. I've also been using Cetaphil to cleanse my face-it's safe and works really well. My girlfriend used The Bump app on her iPhone while she was pregnant and highly recommended it to me. I've been attached to it from the begining. The bump tracker is fun and it gives you a week by week, day by day checklist- reminding you about things that you didn't even think about but that are super pertinent. It's been such a big help and I love reading about the size of my little one each week and what's been going on with his transformation. It should be a staple for any expectant mama. Lastly, I've already raved about Basq body oil and shea butter stretch mark cream- but it really has been an important part of my daily pregnancy regimen. Still no stretch marks (knock on wood) so as of now, I'm sticking with Basq products. Are there any necessities that you couldn't live without when you were expecting or if you are expecting right now? I'd love to hear some tips! xo

What I've Been Up To...

Happy Wednesday! I wanted to share the very exciting news that I am pregnant! My husband and I are beyond excited to finally be able to share the news- so if you see some posts on baby clothes or nurseries this is why. I took a picture last week of my baby bump at 18 weeks pregnant. It's just beginning to really pop. (I'm wearing: Ingrid & Isabel Everyday Cami and Belly Leggings, and a Juliette Jake sweater- sold out but similar here and here.) I can't believe I am almost halfway through my pregnancy. I still don't know the sex of the little one- but I can't wait to find out!

Not only did my hubby and I get to celebrate finally sharing the news of the pregnancy with everyone, but we also got to celebrate Valentine's Day together and my hubby's 27th birthday! My husband surprised me with a beautiful flower arrangement of my favorite flowers- tulips (I'm a Dutch girl, what can I say) and hydrangeas. It was the most beautiful bouquet I've ever seen! We didn't end up going out to dinner on Valentine's Day- it's always packed, overpriced, and there's usually a fixed menu. So we ended up going out the next night to a great restaurant called Opa! They serve excellent Greek food- I loved the fries and the bread and dip. For my Hubby's birthday we went to Los Altos Grill for dinner- my husband needs his prime rib fix every year so we thought this would be the best spot to hit. It more than delivered and I had a happy birthday hubby on my hands. Did you all have a fun Valentine's Day? Hope you are having a fantastic February- can't believe it's almost March! xo