Past updates:
And, as promised, I’ll be sharing some big news this afternoon! According to your survey results you guys think we’re having a…
Boy!
We shall see! I’ll fill you in later today!
Baby Updates
14 Weeks: Baby is the size of a lemon!
15 Weeks: Baby is the size of an apple!
This pic wasn’t meant to be a bump pic, so I apologize that it’s not a very good one. It’s the closest thing to a tummy pic I had from week 15 though and wanted to share something!
16 Weeks: Baby is the size of an avocado!
Another crappy bump pic… Sorry!! It was the only one I had from 16 weeks and I snapped it at the gym right after I taught PiYo. I clearly didn’t snap many bump pics at all at first! I promise to get better now that I’ve shared the news with you guys and will be posting weekly updates.
Weight Gained
14 Weeks: Didn’t weigh myself.
15 Weeks: Didn’t weigh myself.
16 Weeks: 8 pounds.
Workouts
14 Weeks: Workouts fell to the wayside a bit this week, thanks mostly to a family vacation to Sanibel Island. I was still able to remain fairly active with lots of bike riding, one strength workout and long beach walks! Moving my body definitely makes me feel better!
15 Weeks: With more travel this week (Florida and Minnesota), I didn’t focus too much on traditional workouts and looked to lots of walking as my main form of exercise. (I wore my Polar Loop and just made it my goal to hit 10,000 steps each day.) Once I returned to North Carolina, the latter half of the week was active again, thanks to teaching Spinning, barbell strength and PiYo and a weekend Pure Barre class.
16 Weeks: I made it to the gym for 5 workouts this week (including the classes I taught) and felt great! Spinning continues to be a favorite way to work up a sweat and I’m still loving barre workouts and strength training.
Symptoms
14 Weeks: This week I experienced my first all day battle with nausea and fatigue. It totally knocked me out and the only thing I could stomach was whole bananas, banana smoothies, ice cream and noodle soup (with the chicken removed because it made me want to gag). I want to hug all of the women who battle with all-day nausea and fatigue through a greater part of their pregnancy because it was awful.
I’m also experiencing some serious breakouts this week (not just on my face, but also on my chest and upper back which has never happened to me before outside of pregnancy – not so fun). And, to be 100 percent candid, I’m struggling a bit with self esteem this week. I don’t feel like my belly is there yet, but I joke with my friends and Ryan that I’m pregnant everywhere other than my stomach! My arms and thighs feel thicker and softer and I feel like my hips are getting wider. I told my girlfriends that I have a baby in my biceps! Haha! Thinking back to my ultrasound appointments and hearing our baby’s heartbeat puts everything into perspective though and makes me feel better and very grateful my body is changing for such a wonderful reason.
I also tried to go for a run this week and experienced some uncomfortable feelings down there (almost like a heavy feeling – sorry if this is TMI) and wanted to share it on the blog because after I texted some of my pregnant or formerly pregnant friends and talked to my mom who is a nurse, I felt much better knowing this is something many women experience! Once I realized I wasn’t just experiencing sore crotch from Spinning, I made sure to listen to my body and switch from running to walking and felt better.
15 Weeks: I learned something this week: My usual motion sickness on a plane is apparently exacerbated during pregnancy. The little one does not like to fly. I ended up throwing up on two separate flights this week (unfortunately during the decent, so I was unable to excuse myself to the bathroom and had to use the air sick bag – so embarrassing and I felt awful for the people next to me, though they were very sweet and understanding). Nausea was the worse it’s been for me during pregnancy so far. Eating constantly can usually keep nausea at bay and I need a layer of food in my belly at all times, or I will feel pukey.
16 Weeks: Feeling much better during the day this week, but a little off during the evening hours. My skin is still far from clear, but breakouts diminished a little bit this week (thank goodness).
Food Aversions
14 Weeks: Tomato-based soups, chili, most cooked vegetables
15 Weeks: Same as the above, though I can handle cooked vegetables in things (not alone)
16 Weeks: Same as the above plus anything made with cumin
Food Cravings
14 Weeks: Sandwiches!!! As advised by my doctor, I am making sure to heat any lunchmeat before eating it, but I’m also loving double cheese and raw veggie sandwiches. Eggs, fruit, sparkling water, cheeseburgers and gummy candy are also very appealing!
15 Weeks: Sandwiches, chips, fruit, cheeseburgers
16 Weeks: Sandwiches, gummy candy, pasta, grapes
Sleep
14 Weeks: Sleeping much better. Feeling super tired by 8:30 p.m. almost every night though.
15 Weeks: Improved sleep!
16 Weeks: Sleeping better, but having a hard time falling back to sleep when I wake up to go to the bathroom sometimes.
Looking Forward To…
14 Weeks: Our 3D ultrasound appointment… And hopefully finding out whether we’re having a boy or a girl!
15 Weeks: Hopefully feeling better soon. I heard from many people that nausea can often fade around 17 weeks and I’m ready to wake up in the morning not feeling like I have a horrible hangover all the time. I’m also looking forward to my 16 week appointment so I can make sure everything looks okay! I’ve been experiencing more and more anxiety and really, really look forward to all of my appointments with our doctor.
16 Weeks: Telling my best friends from high school that we’re expecting! It has been so hard to keep the big news from them, but I’ve done my best because I really want to tell them in person when I see them in Chicago next weekend.
Gender Suspicions
14 Weeks: I’ll elaborate more on this in a separate post because Ryan and I had a really strong feeling one way during the 3D ultrasound and when we found out this week, it ended up being right!
Any Baby/Pregnancy-Related Purchases?
14 Weeks: Nope.
15 Weeks: My first purchase for the baby happened this week!! I bought a pair of tinny TOMS during the Zulily sale! I couldn’t help myself. Too cute! I also bought a long, blousy tank two sizes bigger than my normal size at Target when I was in Minnesota during the General Mills trip and have been wearing it non-stop! It’s been great for layering.
16 Weeks: Belli face wash, facial hydrator and spot treatment. Hoping this pregnancy-friendly line of skin care helps clear up the zits that are driving me crazy!
Any Fun Stories?
14 Weeks: After our miscommunication with the doctor issue during week 11 of my pregnancy, Ryan was super bummed he missed the ultrasound where I saw the baby move for the first time, so we scheduled a 3D ultrasound so he could see our baby dance around. An added bonus? We found out the sex of our little one several weeks early! The ultrasound technician said our baby was in the perfect place to see whether it is a boy or a girl! I’ll share more about how we found out what we were having later today!
Melanie says
Shopping for baby clothes is so much fun! The shoes you bought sound adorable.
Can’t wait for the gender reveal later today! 🙂
Shawna says
love reading these! you look amazing. excited to find out what you’re having!
Alexandra Taylor says
Hi Julie, I know you have a huge readership and this comment will probably be lost in the shuffle. I’ve been reading your blog for about three years and never commented. But I just read about your heaviness during running and I wanted to pipe up…
I LOVE exercise (particularly running–ran four marathons before getting pregnant) but I had the same feeling of heaviness when I ran while pregnant, so I stopped. I did a lot of pregnancy fitness videos and pregnancy yoga right up until I gave birth.
After a fairly long but otherwise ordinary spontaneous vaginal birth, I felt very scrambled down there and found out that I have bladder prolapse. This comes from having a weak pelvic floor, which is generally a genetic thing at our age.
I am rehabbing with a DVD called Hab-It pelvic floor that was made by a physical therapist who suffered prolapse, had three children, and still does triathlons. It’s an incredibly helpful DVD and I am starting to feel a lot better (I’m six months postpartum now). I don’t think I’ll ever run long distances again, but I am optimistic about other lower impact exercise being a part of my future.
I just wish I had started with my pelvic floor exercises WHILE I WAS PREGNANT. The pushing part of labor was really, really hard for me and I think it’s because of my weak pelvic floor. The exercises in the video could have helped me with that. They also might have helped me not suffer as severe of a prolapse.
Just wanted to put that out there in case it might help you. So thrilled that you are pregnant…when you made the announcement I was so excited I told my husband. Parenthood is an incredible gift.
Your blog is wonderful and has blessed me for several years. Keep it up!
Amanda B @ Cupcakes & Miles says
Baby Toms! Yes! So cute! So…what color Toms did you order? Haha! You see what I did there?!
Week 15 nausea does not sound fun. I’m sorry it was so poopy, but I’m glad you’re doing better. 🙂
Jessica says
So fun to read! After reading your symptoms sections, I hope you are feeling better in your second trimester, which I thought was the best trimester! I never felt so good than that time, mentally and physically. Can’t wait to hear this afternoon the news, you are keeping me at the edge of my seat!
Alicia says
I also experienced some uncomfortable feelings when running during my first trimester. They eased up after a while though, and now a couple weeks into my 3rd trimester I’m still jogging (at a slow pace!). Listening to your body is the best thing you can do regarding exercise during pregnancy. I was able to complete a full marathon during my first trimester, which people were a bit skeptical about, but I knew my body could do it.
Emma says
I woke up this morning as if it was Christmas morning because we get to find out the gender of your baby!!!! Then I saw that you’re making us wait till this afternoon…ughhhh…;) hahah! Can’t wait to know! And congratulations to you and Ryan!! You will be amazing parents!!!
joelle (on a pink typewriter) says
So exciting!!! I think boy…..
Nikki says
You look amazing! I understand how your self esteem can take a hit but I think once your belly really starts to grow you feel look and feel amazing. My husband always tells me that he loved how i looked pregnant and I bet Ryan feels the same way about you! I can’t wait to hear the gender! My guess is Boy! 🙂
Julie says
Ryan has been so, so great during everything which definitely makes body changes easier! And thanks for taking the time to leave such a kind comment!
Carrie says
Congratulatons!!! I am sure so any moms to be have a bit of a difficult time with not showing, but noticing those changes in their bodies. I know I did! While showing definitely helps, it can be hard to see your body go through those changes. For me, I gained weight so easily and quickly, despite eating well and staying active. I just wanted to stay within the recommended guidelines, but even than was a struggle. I eventually leaned to accept it, but I do miss my old body. My advice would be to go into maternity clothes as soon as you start to feel uncomfortable. They are such a relief and comfort is key! The gap and old navy have a lot online and returns are free!
Julie says
This is GREAT advice and something I’ve heard from a lot of my mom-friends. I actually went maternity clothes shopping yesterday and left with a few things that I think will definitely make me feel better!
Monica says
I’m really looking forward to hear if it is a He or a She!
I had 24 hour nausea for the first, oh, 15 weeks of my pregnancy. I needed ALL the carbs to keep it at bay. Luckily I only threw up once, when we were on vacation and my husband decided to “get ready” to go out to dinner instead of leaving immediately. After that, if he noticed me doing my “yoga breathing” (which did help) he’d find food, stat. Another joke was that if we were on our way somewhere, and I started feeling sick, I’d look at him and say, “You look hungry…” and he’d fly into the nearest food source to buy a snack. lol. ah, good times.
Mandy says
Tiny toms are 100% the way to go. Easy to put on and take off and dont hurt their feet. We have multiple pairs in every size since before walking age. :0)
Annette Perkins (@FitnessPerks) says
I can’t wait for the reveal!!
With my first all the nausea came back during a part of the 3rd tri, so that was horrible & I don’t wish that on anyone. I’m hoping with this one that doesn’t happen!
Watching your body change is totally hard. It’s worth it of course, but it isn’t easy. I second what a lot of ladies said–get maternity clothes that you love & you’ll feel so much more comfy & cute too. Especially pantssss. hah
TJ says
Love reading your updates! I’m only about two weeks behind you in my pregnancy so I enjoy reading the things that are similar and different that we are experiencing through out this journey! So exciting to find out gender….I still have two weeks till I do.
Dana B says
I was well into the 20’s (maybe 23 weeks) before I stopped puking with my daughter! It was bad
Janet Pole says
It’s so funny how some foods are fine one day and bad the next … I craved smoked salmon and asparagus all of the time.
I didn’t eat bananas for years after one realllllly bad experience.
melisathorne says
I carried my pregnancy weight in my bra for the first trimester with both my daughters. All of our bodies handle it differently. You look amazing.
Rachel @ Blonde with a Chanse says
I’m so glad that you aren’t sick all of the time! I had all day sickness until about 16 weeks and it was the WORST! You look great 🙂
Emma says
Baby Toms were my first purchase too! Now I just can’t wait for my little guy to get big enough to wear them! The body image stuff is rough, I had to remind myself that I was growing a whole person inside me.
KatyBugChild says
When I was toward the end of my pregnancy with Audrey, I had TERRIBLE crotch pains — like a fiery sword. So crazy and so scary but my doctor and several been-there-done-that moms just assured me that as awful as it is, it’s one of the many normal sensations that we have when carrying a freaking person inside of us.
And girrrrrl just wait. It gets even weirder. And more amazing. And that’s just before the baby comes out!
Bets says
My gosh, I thought throwing up on the train to work was bad but at least I could get off at the next stop and hide in shame. I can’t imagine how awful it was to throw up on a plane. I hope it subsides magically by week 17 for you too.
Amy @ Amy M4gic says
Ohmygosh, I had no idea that bakeries would even do that sort of thing, but what a special way to experience the surprise! Congrats again, Julie!
Kerry says
It can be hard to deal with your growing body when you’re not used to it. I was SO ill during my pregnancy, all day throwing up for 20 weeks.. ergh! I went for being small, working out every day and loving all the healthy food to no workouts, craving macdonalds all day and gaining 50 lbs! I hated it but of course it is worth it, we have a healthy happy 2 year old now and i got back into my workouts and I’m now smaller and fitter than i was pre pregnancy so try not to worry 🙂 Just go with it! x
Janelle says
I’m 13 weeks today, and it’s so fun to track with you. My husband had a strong feeling that we were having a boy from the beginning… and then I had a dream that we’re having a boy. We shall see! I feel like I’m having the opposite problem than you body-wise. I am only 13 weeks, and my stomach is already much larger than yours. I feel like I look WAY more pregnant than I am, despite the fact that I’m not eating a crazy amount. Oh well. Just trying to accept that these changes are for a wonderful reason. 🙂
Ashleigh says
I love your re-caps! I wish I had written down the things I felt and craved during the first half of my pregnancy! I totally get the heavy/fullness feeling! It is so hard to explain. Believe me, as a nurse I questioned it too! Just means your little bundle is there and growing!! Get excited for the weeks to come! It’s such a blessing and so fun to be pregnant 🙂
Corie says
I definitely know what you are saying with the insecurities. I am 16 weeks pregnant right now and I don’t have a defined baby bump just yet. It looks more like I am just gaining weight. I also noticed that my hips began to widen at about 9-10 weeks along. At first I got pretty down about it because I worked so hard to lose all my college weight a couple of years ago and have done amazing keeping it off. But then I remember that in 5 months I will have an amazing gift from God and the weight gain is more then worth it.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to continue running. I have cut back my miles a lot and slowed down quite a bit but it has always been my goal to run as long as I feel comfortable!
Love reading your posts and hearing about your journey! Thank you for sharing!
Emily says
Hi Julie! I’m also a personal trainer, and now 12 weeks pregnant with my third baby. I wanted to comment about the part where you said you felt like you were pregnant everywhere but not really in your belly. I totally understand! My belly never got very big with my first two kids, and in fact my belly measured a few weeks behind with both pregnancies BUT I gained weight EVERYWHERE else. My butt, thighs, boobs, arms, face, etc. I know it can be nerve racking, especially with your first pregnancy, but I wanted to tell you not to worry-your body just needs the extra fat right now and you will lose the weight after delivery-promise! You eat healthy and you’re staying active. That’s the best thing you can do to get back to your old self after baby’s born. But for now, no stressin! That baby needs his momma to gain some weight:) Oh, but side note, you don’t look one lb bigger to me from the pics-still tiny! Anyway, congrats on your baby boy!!!