Where has the time gone? I am trying to enjoy every single moment but somehow the weeks keep rushing by. In 2 weeks we will be leaving the second trimester and entering the last 3 months?! While we are so excited to meet our little man, we are trying to treasure every single moment. Before we enter the home stretch, let’s jump into the second trimester recap!

Second Trimester: Emotions

The second trimester has definitely brought on the waterworks. Luckily my anxiety has been stable and my doctor supported the continuation of my meds during pregnancy. The waterworks are new though this trimester. Anything can bring them on, a cute baby, a sweet commercial or reading something in a book. I am embracing and rolling with each emotion as it comes. Self care has been so important as well. I have definitely been slowing down and saying no more. While sometimes I am sad to miss out, these special moments as a family of 2 with baby C in my belly are worth treasuring!

Some of you have been asking about my cancer treatment, and that has been on my mind. I did reach out to my oncologist and will be seeing her in early January to make a plan for going back on all my meds. This will include my bone density shot (Prolia) and some combination of hormone blocking meds (prior combo: Lupron + Femara). You can read more about my cancer and fertility journey for more background. I am not looking forward to the changes that these meds will bring back including bone pain, hot flashes, menopause and painful intercourse but for now I am focused on enjoying my cancer symptom free life and this previous time with baby C.

Second Trimester: Cravings

My cravings didn’t change much in the second trimester and I haven’t been dying for any weird combos yet. I am enjoying ice cream and pickles but NOT together.

Mostly my eating habits that I described in my first trimester have continued. My most intense cravings are ice cream, cheese and chips. One day I ran into Wal-Mart just to buy Fritos, something I haven’t eaten in 10+ years. Another day the craving hit for Sour Patch Kids. I am trying to embrace the cravings in moderation along with pushing lots of veggies and protein. There will be plenty of time to get back to my clean eating after baby arrives.

In terms of weight gain, I have gained 24.6lbs, but I feel so lucky it’s all showing in my belly. A few weeks ago I had a freak out about the rapid weight gain but you all shared such wonderful insight with me. Since then I have been calm and confident about my weight and changing body. I am eating in moderation and exercising as my body allows. I find walking, yoga and biking have been best for me.

Second Trimester: Body Changes

Growing a human is absolutely amazing, but boy is it strange. This animation is so amazing showing how the organs move inside as your baby gets larger. During the second trimester I did gain more energy but as I got bigger moving, lifting and sleeping all became more difficult. I am not to the stage at 26 weeks where putting on my shoes is a major endeavor and if I bend down to get something, it’s a struggle to get back up.

As baby has been getting bigger I get full faster and find my belly feels like it is going to burst. Eating smaller meals and lots of snacks has really helped. The odd part is I am just as hungry as ever it’s just there is no room for the food haha.

As my belly continues to grow I have been lathering not the lotion to help with itching I had during the first trimester. Luckily no stretch marks so far, though I still have 3 months to go.

Second Trimester: Symptoms

• This may be TMI, but the biggest symptom for me has been discharge. At one point a few weeks ago, we actually went into the OB because it felt like I was leaking. Luckily all was fine. They checked my cervix and did a culture, and confirmed that the discharge was perfectly normal.
• Gas –is another symptom that increased for me as baby got bigger and from what I read it’s only going to get worse haha.
• Aches and pains – I have been lucky not to have major pain, but with a history of lower back pain, that is the first area for me that flares up. With regular chiropractor appointments, prenatal massage and yoga I have been able to manage the pain thus far.
• The most typical pregnancy symptom ever is increased urination and this has been common for me. I find it interrupts my sleep as well. I continue to push the liquids though because it’s recommended pregnant women get 100+ ounces per day! Staying hydrated is so important for baby.
• Diarrhea – As someone who has struggled with constipation since chemo, it’s funny to now be not he opposite spectrum. I am just glad to not be facing the constipation anymore which was present during my first trimester.

Second Trimester: Baby Prep

The second trimester was very productive for us in terms of baby prep! we checked some big decision off the list including our daycare and pediatrician and we almost have the nursery done. I have a few minor additions to make, but plan to do a full reveal in the 3rd trimester. You can find a few of the nursery highlights in this post.

In mid-July we also attended a HUGE consignment sale in our area and got tons of baby items at insane prices. If you are in the area, there will be another one in January so keep your eyes peeled. In terms of the nursery we were able to get all our furniture either on sale or consignment which saved us a ton of money.

For the safety related items like the carseat/stroller, crib mattress and monitor, we’ll be buying new. Want to see all the items we have picked out? You can check out our registry to get ideas. I loved checking out other pregnant mamas registries to help build our list. After baby C arrives, I’ll be sure to share which items become our essentials.

I am trying to exercise self-control but I have started adding to baby C’s wardrobe and my momma essentials including my new favorite diaper bag (which doubles as a purse) and my all-star maternity & postpartum leggings.

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Everyday Mac and I look at each other and can’t believe this is our reality. We are going to be parents in 14 weeks!!!! While that is terrifying in someways, it has also been a long time coming. We are truly grateful everyday for our rainbow baby and can’t wait to meet him.