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!

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