PREGNANCY & LIFE UPDATE: 17 WEEKS

Hi everyone! I figure now is as good a time as any to give a little update on how things are going with the pregnancy. I’ve gotten a few questions regarding this growing human that’s been living and growing inside my body for the past few months (rent-free might I add). So, I thought this could be a fun way to answer some of those questions as well as give you a little update on some of the difficulties that we’re facing at the moment.

SHOP MY LOOK

BABY’S SIZE

This has been my favorite part of the pregnancy! Every Tuesday my Nurture app sends me an update with what the baby’s size is. This week he/she is the size of a white onion! (My sister said that sounded gross, so we did a little research and found that a pear is about the same size. She said pear sounded cuter.) Baby is about 5 inches and weighs roughly 5 ounces.

EXERCISE

Nope. I’ll probably catch a lot of flack for this, but I’ve decided to just enjoy the ride and sit my ever-expanding hiney on the couch. My reasoning? I don’t think it’s going to help me with the birthing process. Plus, I’m still going to get fat regardless, so I don’t really care. Also, I’m exhausted. So you can have your pregnancy yoga and water workouts, I’ll be over here eating Taco Bell binge watching The Crown.

WEIGHT GAIN

This is what everyone wants to know, but they’re too polite to ask. From the time I found out I was pregnant until now I’ve gained 10 pounds. I also hit the buckeye candies and stuffing hard during the holidays, so I figure I’m doing alright. My husband told me he’s gained 8 pounds. He could just be lying just to make me feel better. I accept this particular type of dishonesty and encourage other preggo partners to do the same.

CRAVINGS

I’m craving Taco Bell, hot sauce and any sweet. But, that’s also pretty typical for me. I also want dill pickles by the masses. Another odd craving I’ve been having is red meat. I haven’t had red meat for about 10 years, but now I’m all about it! I ordered meat balls for the first time in my life the other day. My sister and I also made hamburger helper and I was in heaven. Yes, I said hamburger helper.

AVERSIONS

I was lucky enough to skip the whole morning sickness ordeal, but I did get sick one time after I ate plain Cheerios. I mean… I’ve been loading everything I eat with Frank’s Red Hot Sauce and shoveling an absurd amount of pickles into my pie-hole, but the blandest food around makes me yack. Weird.

SIDE EFFECTS

To say I’ve been tired has to be the understatement of the year. I’m exhausted all the time and have a hard time getting motivated to do anything. I’m waiting on that “2nd trimester energy boost”. I’ve also been breaking out around my chin area, so I guess you can say I’m still waiting on that “pregnancy glow” too. And the bloating. Oh my gosh the bloating! It’s so intense. By the way, when they mention “bloating” in pregnancy books, they mean gas. Let’s call a spade a spade folks. Pregnant ladies toot. Get used to it.

I’ve also started this new thing where I laugh and cry hysterically, which is definitely a funny, yet frightening sight.

Example: One time I was eating oyster crackers when my husband showed me a picture of a cute baby. I started to cry because I thought the baby was really cute. Then, I started to laugh uncontrollably. My mouth was gaping open for so long that the oyster crackers started to fall out.  Mike is trying to console me, but I could tell he was also fearing for his life. His body language said “I’m here for you”, while his eyes were saying “but please don’t murder me.”

PURCHASES

I haven’t really bought anything for baby yet, as we haven’t found out the gender. But, you better believe I have an amazon cart filled with cute baby baths and onesies. (P.S. If you come across any cute baby clothing sites please let me know!) As for purchases for me, I got a few slouchy sweaters and leggings that will grow with my expanding belly.

STYLE TIPS

I’ve been lucky in the fact that my “awkward stage” has been during the winter. It wasn’t until today that my belly looked more like an actual baby bump rather than a beer belly. I’ve been able to hide under slouchy sweaters, so that’s been nice. I also got a Belly Belt for Christmas and it’s a game changer! It allows me to wear all my old jeans and pants, which is great because I haven’t found a good pair of maternity jeans yet (I’ll let you know once I find a pair I like). As of late, my 2nd trimester style has consisted of stretch jeans, slouchy sweaters, jackets and sneakers or my platform oxfords.

WHAT I MISS

Umm… wine! When I see someone open a bottle of wine I secretly whisper “I miss you” to the bottle. Sometimes it’s not-so-secret and people think I’m a nut-job. Then, I start laugh/cry and confirm their suspicions.

ON A SERIOUS NOTE…

I debated whether I should talk about this on the blog, but it’s almost impossible not to. I’ve always been real with you and like to invite you into my life, even when things get ugly. So here it is…

In addition to the pregnancy, I’m also going through a tough family situation at the moment. After battling cancer for over six years, my mom is now in hospice care. I’ve decided to get a one-way ticket to be with her in Pittsburgh during this period and I’m thankful for every second I get to spend with her. We watch TV together, nap together, and most of the time we’re laughing together. Yes, even during this difficult time my mom is still cracking jokes and pointing her finger giving us orders on what we need to do around the house or how to properly prepare dinner.

I admire her so much and am amazed that her faith and bravery have not wavered. Not once. I admit, I was angry at first. It’s a strange place to be in life when you know you’ll be losing your mother shortly before becoming a mother yourself. But, if there’s one thing she’s taught me it’s that God has a plan for everyone and we just have to go with it. I’m not angry anymore. I’m actually thankful. Thankful for this time with her. Thankful for my loving family. Thankful for all her friends that have stopped by.

That being said, I will continue to post both on The Nomis Niche and on my social media sites. It’s a welcome distraction and gives me something to do when momma momma is sleeping. I may not be posting quite as often, so please bear with me on that. Thank you so much for your support and prayers.

Love, Lindsey