And that’s a wrap! 

On the second trimester that is. Can you believe it? I CAN’T. 

For me, the entire last month of my second trimester was like being at mile 18 of running a marathon. I felt like I was in a giant holding pattern. Getting close to a big milestone (being the third trimester), but not quite close enough. Pregnancy is definitely comprised of physical and emotional changes, but for me it has felt more mentally challenging. 

Maybe that’s a good thing? I don’t know. Either way, I’m ready to begin my third trimester and finish strong. I have so much to look forward to and that’s what  really matters. I’m being kind to my body, resting when I need to, and relishing every moment with Mr.B and Juniper. 

In case you missed any of the other recaps click: HERE, HERE, and HERE. On with the show! 

Pregnancy Recap of Weeks: 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

Week 23: The baby was the size of a grapefruit.

Symptoms: Went up another bra size! Yep, yep. These hooters are just giant feeding bags as far as I am concerned. Thank god for True & Co bras because they are seriously the best and provide the maximum support! 

The start of Week 23 was a bit of a reality check. Hello, six months! I seriously could not believe it. With the current state of our remodeling upstairs I’m trying not to freak out. For reals though. We might need divine intervention to get this renovation done before the beginning of September. 

In other news, I did have Jenna take some photos of me because I wanted to remember being pregnant. We just took a few photos of me in maternity dresses and workout gear and I’m so glad I did. They turned out beautiful! 

Week 24: The baby was the size of a cantaloupe. 

Symptoms: My upper back aches by the end of the day. Sigh. BIG BOOBS strike again. I feel like they need an extra carrying device. I actually bought XXL sports bra from Target to get me through the next few months. Did not see that one coming! 

The start of Week 24 was a busy one. First I had my 24 week prenatal appointment. This was a quick check-up to measure my weight (I’ve gained 15 lbs so far!) and my belly, listen to the baby’s heartbeat, receive my breast pump prescription, and to get my glucose drink. The appointment went smoothly, but you guys, the thought of chugging sugar water makes me want to vomit. I don’t eat or drink sugary things so this has me concerned. Hoping I can chug it and then take the rest of the day off to dry out! 

Besides our prenatal appointment, we traveled back to Kansas to spend time with family and celebrate Father’s Day. We were going to attend the Symphony on The Plains, but unfortunately, it got canceled due a massive storm that ripped everything to shreds. Major Bummer Dude. Good news is that my maternity workout clothes from Gap are making my life a breeze. I wore a mixture of stuff throughout the trip because we were hiking, walking, running errands and hanging out. Now, if they could only cure swollen ankles after sitting in a car for 7 plus hours that would be great! 

On the sleep front, I did find a new pregnancy pillow that is amazing! I mentioned with the demo upstairs we had to downsize to a queen mattress so the Snoogle got the boot due to real estate issues. My new pillow friend is the Bobby Pillow and it’s the perfect size. Plus, the softness and the shape make for switching sides so much easier! 

Week 25: The baby was the size of a cauliflower. 

Symptoms: Chaffing!! I went to Orange Theory and that night came home to mini blisters under my boobs. Lord help me. I haven’t had this problem since running a marathon! Looks like I will need to use some glide before working out now! 

The start of Week 25 I was in get sh$t done mode. Maybe this was my final surge of true energy before my third trimester starts in a few weeks. I just wanted to stop worrying about things about the house and the baby. So my goal was to start tackling all those things that I had put off because I didn’t want to do it. Well, now, I needed to do them. No more excuses!! 

My plan was to have TV/family room setup and organized since this is where I will be sending a lot of time. Also, I needed to start building a baby medicine cabinet, nursing kit, postpartum kit, etc. Things that will only pile up later if I didn’t attack them now!

Week 26: The baby was the size of kale.

Symptoms: I have definitely noticed the need to conserve energy. If I am going to do physical work around the house, workout, etc. I need to do it in the morning. By three o’clock in the afternoon, I am wiped out. Like I mentioned above, I think this is a good time to get my stubbornness in check and dial back the busy body. 

The start of week 26 was much more physically demanding. Not only was I preparing for my charcuterie board workshop, but my belly definitely had another growth spurt. I was on my feet for basically two days preparing for the class and by the end of  the workshop on Wednesday, I was an overcooked turkey. On Thursday I limited my movement to only necessary things like making food or going to the bathroom. I’m so glad that I listened to my body because come Friday I felt like a new person! 

We also had a great weekend. Mr. B biked almost 200 miles for MS while I was able to do some more nesting. I was so proud to sport my bump at the finish line with him. Crazy to think next year we will have a little one in the photo! 

Week 27: The baby was the size of a head of lettuce.

Symptoms: Feeling HUGE! Ha! Maybe that’s not a symptom, but I felt like my belly was expanding in every possible direction

The start of week 27 started off a little rough mentally. Knowing that this was my last week of my second trimester had me full of anxiety. I was really hard on myself. To the point where I would have a moment of free time and get mad at myself for not being productive with that single second. It started to become paralyzing. So I took a moment to just get mad and feel overwhelmed because sh$t we are all human. I realized I needed to give myself some grace. In a way I wanted to feel angry, but I knew that was more of energy drain. And when you’re seven months pregnant every ounce of energy just counts. 

Mr. B and I started our birth class! It’s a four week class that covers everything you would need to know about giving birth and more! The first class walked us through all the stages of labor. Realizing that a majority of our time would be spent at home for early labor kind of freaked me out. Although, this is where Mr.B says he shines! So thank god for spousal support! I will say it was nice being around other first time parents because we all joked about not knowing what to do! 

What I’m loving now for maternity and nursery: 
– H&M baskets: Since the nursery doesn’t have a huge closet I decided to get a cube holder and stuff some cute baskets inside. These H&M baskets with pom-poms are so cute! 
– Boppy Pregnancy Support Pillow: With the Snoogle out until we return to our king bed, this smaller support pillow is a dream. I can toss and turn much easier and it’s super soft! 
– Post Partum Kit: I finally ordered a bunch of items to put into a post-partum kit. A few favorites/recommendations: witch hazel, tucks, whoo-ha washer, stool softener, high-waisted underwear, and overnight pads. My plan is to do a post that covers everything I used after the baby is here!
– Delivery Gown: This gown came highly recommended. It has all the bells and whistles as the hospital one, but it’s way softer and cuter. 
– Lounge Robe by Monica and Andy: um, just ordered this and can’t wait to lounge! HA! Made of organic cotton material and is supposed to be super comfy! 
– Babyletto Glider: I had a hard time deciding to go with the Pottery Barn or Babyletto Glider. Both are in the same price range, but what sold me on the Babyletto was this glider actually reclined and came with a USB plug-in. Can’t wait to rock and nurse Baby G in it!