My Pregnancy Journey in Photos

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I didn’t write much about my pregnancy experience. I had planned to do a bit more on Instagram but bumpie came two weeks early. I’ve put my progression pictures here because I think it’s cool to have the bump photos all together. 🙂 And while things are still fairly fresh in my mind, I’ve included some other details and information from when I was pregnant, just for memories and fun.First Trimester Memories

  • I had some very mild nausea – usually cured by eating lots of small meals/not letting myself get too hungry
  • I was thirsty all the time
  • I was EXHAUSTED
  • My two main food aversions were dishes I ate very early on that I couldn’t even eat the leftovers for – a chicken and olive dish, and Indian saag paneer.
  • Food craving: Mexican food. Any and all.
  • Overall emotions: Freaked out, in mild denial. I got pregnant immediately so there was no chance to even really contemplate being pregnant. I know I should be grateful, but that’s how I felt. Uncertain, anxious, freaked out.
  • Travel: Chicago, Nashville (both not knowing I was pregnant)

My first trimester and into the 2nd, I didn’t show. At all. I started my pregnancy overweight, so I figured that might happen. Week 21 was the first week I really thought there was the beginning of a “bump” and so that’s when I started my progression photos.IMG_1259

Second Trimester Memories

  • Nausea cleared up around week 14
  • We found out we were having a BOY and had a big party with our friends and family.
  • I was still tired but started to have a bit more energy around week 16.
  • I really didn’t miss drinking and liked feeling great each morning, and ready for bed each night.
  • I was still a reluctant pregnant person. I wanted my baby but overall just didn’t love being pregnant so far.
  • At week 20, I really started feeling good.
  • At week 22, I picked up my dog Peggy and activated my old SI join injury. Excruciating pain. 
  • At week 24, we went to visit Lindsey, and then my brother. I was in tremendous pain the entire time. I had already done prenatal massage, stretching, seen a chiropractor, taken hot baths, gotten a maternity belt, etc. Everything felt inflamed. I was miserable, despite the many “happy”-looking photos. 🙁
  • At week 25/26, I started seeing a different chiropractor at the recommendation of my midwife, Harmony Chiropractic, who specialized in treating pregnant women. I committed to going multiple times per week for the remainder of the pregnancy to try to get things back in order with my hip joints and lower back. I started to feel some physical relief in my back.
  • My hips hurt badly due to the relaxin causing them to spread. By the end of each day, it was usually excruciating and painful to walk.
  • I began taking prenatal yoga week 18 and very much enjoyed it. Breathe Yoga in Chamblee.
  • I started putting together our registry during 2nd trimester and was overwhelmed at all that was needed. The amount of research I did to learn about car seats, strollers, cribs, mattresses, etc. was insane, and I was pretty resentful that this was falling to me and that it was even all necessary. The money-making baby industry.
  • Cravings: Mexican earlier in the trimester, Mediterranean food and ice cream later on
  • Travel: Asheville, Chicago, Orlando (for work), Charlotte, Outer Banks, Savannah, and Plains, GA (where we got to meet Jimmy and Rosalind Carter!)IMG_1468
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Third Trimester Memories

  • Hip pain ongoing. Back and hip pain managed by chiropractor, prenatal yoga, prenatal massage, special belt for hip joint support, special ball to stretch hips and a wedge pillow.
  • Our moms threw us a baby shower in Ohio for our Ohio and PA families. It was a ton of fun, with great weather and we did a lot of things. Family and friends came from all over for the shower and we felt very loved.
  • My two dear friends threw me another baby shower in Atlanta and several of my girlfriends came out. It was so, so sweet and nice.
  • My direct report at work surprised me by planning a lunch and another baby shower – and having our group SVP drive down from Charlotte to boot! I was stunned in the best possible way. 
  • Third trimester, despite the ever increasing hip pain and limited mobility especially once week 36 hit, was the best. I liked my baby bump and felt like my overweight body finally had something good about it. I also loved feeling him kick around in there.
  • We spent a lot of time with friends but also began trying to slow down towards the very end.
  • At 32 weeks pregnant, we had a mini “babymoon” up to Brevard, NC to visit numerous waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest and see the Dale Chihuly exhibit at the Biltmore Estate. We packed a lot in and I was in serious pain after a particularly ambitious day but it was worth it. We had a fantastic time.
  • Food cravings: Mediterranean food, ALL THE ICE CREAM. I seriously ate ice cream almost every day. Favorites: Haagen Daas Chocolate Peanut Butter, Oreo blizzards with peanut butter sauce from the Dairy Queen, and anything from Southern Custard.
  • Total weight gain: 9 lbs. Yes, I am extremely proud of this. I ate normally my entire pregnancy and feel it really paid off. I also never had a lick of high blood pressure and baby’s heartbeat was always strong. 
  • Travel: Pittsburgh, NE Ohio, Brevard and Asheville, NCIMG_2453IMG_2780IMG_2747IMG_2803IMG_3163IMG_3284IMG_3353IMG_3433IMG_3472IMG_3467IMG_3466IMG_3756IMG_3757