I added a bunch of questions you guys left for me after my Part One post this morning. Thank you again for sharing in our excitement. It honestly means so, so much to me!
More Pregnancy Questions
- Will you be sharing weekly pregnancy updates on the blog?
I started writing “secret” blog posts documenting my pregnancy and our journey at 8 weeks and will publish them soon! I have them organized in three-week increments (weeks 8, 9 & 10 together, etc.), but may share weekly updates if it’s something that might interest you guys. Just let me know!
(That pic was taken right after we found out whether we are having a boy or a girl!)
- How far along are you now?
17 weeks and 3 days.
- You said you went off birth control several months before you and Ryan decided to start trying. Did you get your period right away?
Yes, but my cycles were a little strange. At first, my periods were something like 42 days apart, then 40, 37, 35, etc. until eventually they normalized to my usual 28-30 day cycle.
- Did you use any ovulation predictor kits or track your periods before you decided to start trying?
I didn’t use an ovulation predictor kit, but I had been tracking my periods for a few months using the (free!) iPeriod app since my cycles were a little wacky when I went off birth control.
- Were you nervous to tell your family so early?
No. If anything happened, I knew I would lean on them for support and love, so sharing the news with them was important to me. My mom is also a nurse, so I really, really wanted to tell her so I could ask her a billion questions and have someone I love to reach out to in the early stages of pregnancy.
- How have you been feeling?
Okay. I actually started to feel worse and more nauseous when I entered my second trimester, which goes against pretty much everything I’ve read about morning sickness. I felt great for the first seven weeks, but right around week 7.5/8, I started to wake up feeling nauseous most mornings. Thankfully eating something immediately makes a BIG difference and I joke that I need a solid layer of food in my belly at all times or I will feel pukey.
I felt more and more like myself last week after a rough weeks 14 and 15, but then yesterday I ended up throwing up in the bathroom right after my pregnancy announcement post went up. I do feel very fortunate that once I throw up, I tend to feel MUCH better and can eat again right after and go about my normal day.
Though I want to go to bed by 9 p.m. most nights, fatigue hasn’t really been an issue (thank goodness), except for a few (3?) days where it totally knocked me on my butt.
- Do you have morning sickness?
Most of my sickness does seem to occur in the morning. I wake up feeling like I have a hangover most mornings, but eating something immediately helps a TON.
- Do you have any cravings?
My overall food preferences have changed pretty dramatically. I want ALL SALTY FOOD all the time.
As someone with a perpetual sweet tooth, this is so crazy to me! So far my biggest pregnancy cravings have included: Sandwiches (I follow my doctor’s advice and heat all deli meat up before eating it), chicken noodle soup without the chicken (I’ll seriously pick it out), burgers, chips/nachos, gummy candy (Sour Patch Kids, red licorice and Swedish Fish are the jam), eggs and fruit.
- Have you had a hard time eating healthy?
Yes. This was such a bummer because I really thought that the moment I got pregnant I’d feel all the more motivated to eat ALL THE VEGGIES and give birth to a little kale baby or something. Well, aversions are real my friends and most cooked veggies still make me want to gag. Thankfully raw veggies are appealing again right now and I’ve been obsessed with FRUIT for ALL of my pregnancy.
- Do you have any food aversions?
This is such a strange one, but the thought of tortilla soup makes me want to gag. The smell of cumin in anything is also very off-putting. Cooked vegetables still sound horrible (which is so sad) – I actually avoided Whole Foods for a while because I didn’t even want to see the cooked veggies in their hot bar. What!?
- Have you experienced any crazy pregnancy-related emotions?
Oddly enough, I haven’t felt overly emotional or weepy at all. I joke that I felt “really rage-y” around week 10. Ryan said he was “lucky to make it out of that week alive.” Haha! It was so strange… I just felt way more easily angered over stupid stuff than usual!
- Any mood swings?
Not really. Except for the very odd anger in week 10. Yikes!
- Any unexpected feelings or symptoms?
A lot of anxiousness and anxiety. I’ve truly never worried so much in my life. A lot of praying is going on in our household right now.
As for unexpected symptoms, I feel like everyone talks about the “pregnancy glow” but I hear much less about pregnancy acne! My skin was quite clear until a few weeks ago when I got more zits than I’ve had in years!! If the pregnancy pimples would like to go away soon, that would be grrreat. I recently switched up my skincare (just purchased some of the Belli products), so I’m crossing my fingers that will help a bit.
- How much weight have you gained so far? Do you have a baby bump?
I hadn’t weighed myself in months before stepping on the scale at my 8 week appointment. Since my 8 week appointment, I’ve gained about 8 pounds, but I was about 5 pounds heavier than my usual weight at 8 weeks. It’s so strange, but I honestly feel like I’m showing most in places other than my belly right now. My arms and thighs are bigger and I feel like my hips are widening. My stomach definitely looks thicker and my belly button looks a little different, but I don’t really see a defined, round baby bump yet.
- You’ve mentioned before that you are scared of giving birth. How are you feeling now?
I’ll be 100 percent honest… I am still quite scared. And I don’t see that changing anytime soon, given my not-so-great history with anything medical. I am horrible with needles and was sweating and shaking going into my first round of blood work. When I told the doctors I was really bad with needles, I almost expected them to laugh and say something like, “Ha! Good LUCK with childbirth!” but they were all so understanding and kind.
Around 11 1/2 weeks, something rather unexpected happened though that has helped put my mind at ease. I was able to see an ultrasound before my first round of blood work and see our baby MOVE for the first time. This flipped a switch in my mind. I was still nervous about the needles and medical stuff, but I realized, as I watched our baby move, I would do anything for that little fuzzy black and gray image dancing back at me. I keep thinking back to that moment and feeling whenever I start to worry about actually giving birth and it helps a lot.
- Have you thought about how you will decorate the nursery?
Yes!!! I am SO excited about this! Ryan actually started painting the nursery a bit last weekend when I was in Chicago. I’ll share more pictures and nursery inspiration photos once I announce the sex of the baby, but I love a very calming/neutral look with lots of whites, creams and beiges.
Workout Questions
- How has working at the gym/teaching been going?
Pretty well so far! I fortunately feel great during Spinning classes and still love teaching PiYo, barbell strength and boot camp classes (<– I don’t take them, I just teach/correct form), but I always, always make sure to have a snack immediately before a workout and something to eat in my bag right after I am done to help fight nausea. The other day I told Ryan I’ve felt super lucky that the days I’ve felt the worst during pregnancy have seemed to fall on a weekend or a day when I didn’t have to teach, so that’s made sticking to my gym schedules easier than I anticipated.
- How long do you plan to continue teaching?
As long as I can! I spoke with my doctor and was given the green light to continue exercising at the same level I did pre-pregnancy, which means I can also continue to teach. Woo! My boss was particularly happy to hear I’ll be staying on the schedule for a few months since there’s a bit of a pregnancy boom going on at our gym right now.
I was planning to teach water fitness outdoors again this summer, but I don’t think that will be a go anymore simply because my doctor said it’s important not to get overheated. If we can figure out a way for me to teach in the water, that would be great! We’re talking about it now…
- Have your workouts changed at all? Do you plan to continue working out throughout your pregnancy?
The main way my workouts have changed is that I’ve all but cut out running. I tried taking Sadie for a run a few weeks ago and it was just really, really uncomfortable. (Things just felt heavy down there – sorry if that’s TMI – but my doctor said that’s normal and encouraged me to pay attention to how I feel.) I ran a little on the beach in Sanibel but it was more of a walk/run. I’m just trying my best to listen to my body and right now workouts that feel the best include barre, spinning and strength training.
In the beginning, I also had to opt out of a number of early morning workouts simply because I woke up feeling so crappy.
I really, really hope to remain active throughout my pregnancy. I have no plans to stop exercising, but will continue to listen to my body and take rest days when I need them. Walking almost always feels great, so that’s a plus!
Sadie Questions
- How do you think Sadie will handle a little brother/sister?
Oh gosh. Saaaadie. The funny thing about this question is that it’s one we’re asked all the time by friends and family. Clearly they know Sadie is one heck of a needy little girl.
I have absolutely no idea how Sadie will react to a little one. She’s super gentle, so I am not worried about aggression or anything (though we will obviously take all the proper precautions when we introduce her to the baby), but I do think she’ll be jealous and a little miffed by any sort of shift in attention.
Ryan and I love Sadie like crazy and hope to continue to give her all the love, exercise and attention she deserves and craves, understanding that things obviously do change when a baby enters the picture. Sadie is our little love machine and I cannot wait to do lots of family walks and outdoor activities with Sadie and our new addition when the time comes.
- Do you think Sadie knows?
I think she is 100 percent clueless.
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Thank you so much for answering all our questions! I am never bored with your details – keep it all coming! Prayers sent your way. 🙂
Thank you, Sarah!
hahaha oh, poor Sadie! She is going to love having a new best friend!
Yes to weekly bump updates! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing and answering our questions! I would love to read weekly updates!
Your experiences so far sound a lot like how I felt in the early stages of pregnancy! I’m almost 28 weeks now and would love for you to continue weekly updates! I’ve referred back to pregnancy updates on other blogs pretty much every single week and it’s fun & interesting to see how you relate during the same stages. Congrats again! Can’t wait to find out if it’s a boy or girl 🙂
ME TOO!!! I went back and read so many bloggers’ weekly updates when I found out I was pregnant. Since I wasn’t telling anyone for a while, I was DYING to read a “real person’s” experience — not just something from a book and found the weekly updates so interesting. Congratulations to you on your pregnancy, Lauren! <3
I’ve been doing this too! It was a little hard to hear that some people don’t experience a lot of the tough/awkward symptoms (back acne? what the heck??), and your updates already are making me feel less alone! Feel better soon, mama 🙂
yesssss. zits on my CHEST and BACK!?!?!? definitely didn’t know to expect that!
I think Sadie will love having a “brother or sister”! She will be excited for a future playmate. Thanks for sharing all the pregnancy info!
Julie,
Not that you need advice from strangers, and I would never post something like this unless I didn’t 100% believe in it, but I would recommend reading the book Supernatural Birth by Jackie Mize. http://goo.gl/xvs5y4
I had a very similar birthing experience to her last 3 births, and I believe God is a huge motivator to a pain-free labor. It’s all about the faith. There really is nothing to be scared of with the big man by your side. Good luck to you, and many blessings during your pregnancy, labor and little bundle.
Thank you for sharing, Dawn! So glad you had a good birth experience!
Your 14 week “baby bump” looks like my “morning after” eating pizza…hahaha! you’re going to be a tiny, cute preggers!
I seriously feel like I am “looking pregnant” more in my arms, thighs and hips more than my belly. It’s so, so weird.
I have been reading your blog for years but I have not commented. I love reading about this new chapter of your life. We have been trying for over two years and are in the process of doing IVF. We’ve hit a bump in our IVF treatment which has delayed getting pregnant.
Reading your blog about how you found out, how you shared your news with family and friends, how your body is changing and how you are feeling makes me so excited to experience all of that when my time comes. I love how you are so positive on everything and it makes me slow down and think positive thoughts about our journey.
I hope you do continue to blog about your pregnancy journey and how Sadie handles the changes when she sees the belly. We have a little dog we love and I’m always curious as to how couples juggle the new baby and include the dog in their daily life.
My guess for you is baby girl!
sending prayers and good wishes your way during your journey, ann! thank you for your sweet words. <3
My dog knew before I did. One morning when I was two weeks pregnant (unbeknownst to me!) he jumped on the bed and peed on my pillow….something he has never done in the 12 years I’ve had him! And he’s been SUPER needy these last few months.
Good luck with everything! I would love weekly updates!
Now that you’ve mentioned your skin is misbehaving, I think I’m going to guess that you’re having a girl!
(Yes please to weekly updates!)
I have LOVED barre during my pregnancy. Great low impact option! I don’t have a local studio so have had to stick to DVDs but Pure Barre has two prenatal programs on DVD which are great!
Congrats on your big news! I have had a few friends who turned to water based work outs especially later on in their pregnancy. They still felt like they got their heart rate up without thehigh intensity. Looking forward to your updates!
I second (or third, fourth, etc.) those who vote for the weekly updates – at nearly 32 weeks, it’s been so amazingly helpful to read about others’ experiences and feel more “normal” when crazy things happen, so bring them on!! On a couple related notes, I’ve had great experience with Belli’s products and definitely recommend them – their stuff smells great and it’s so nice knowing I don’t have to worry about what my skin (and baby!!) is absorbing. And lastly, as someone who is also admittedly obsessed with my dog, I bought a book/mp3s called “How to Tell Your Dog You’re Pregnant.” Crazy? Perhaps. But it has great tips to help prepare your dog so they will feel prepared and part of what’s going on instead of left out. And it comes with baby noises so they can get used to all the new sounds about to enter the house. Sorry for the long comment, but I hope this helps, and congrats again!!
love the book recommendation. thank you!!!
I would definitely be interested in weekly updates! I’m so happy for you!
Holy Spicoli – it’s the year of the babies! I have a coworker, a niece, two college roommies, 2 post-college friends, 3 childhood friends, and now a perfect stranger I consider “friend” from a blog are all having BABIES! I don’t have kids, and my husband already has two that are now off on their own. So we have decided to just be a tag-team without munchkins. I won’t lie – I feel left out of the mix, but it’s been so much fun talking to my girls about decore, names, and the greatest fear …. weight gain! Everyone is doing well, and that’s all that matters! I will say that all of my friends that have NOT had horrific morning sickness are all having boys, and the ones that have not had an easy time have had girls. So I’m predicting a sister for Sadie! (Who I’m sure will turn into a little protector, and cuddle counselor…”no, baby…THIS is how you snuggle in the blankets!”)
Congratulations to you and your new family! You already sound like a fabulous Mom! 🙂
Thank you so much, Mary Beth!!
I’ve been a long time reader, but rarely comment. This news just makes me so happy for the two of you!
I have to say your response to “Do you think Sadie knows” had me laughing out loud!
When we’re ready to have kids, morning sickness is what I fear most. A few friends of mine said keeping crackers next to their bed (and ate them before getting out) as well as eating ginger really helped with their sickness. Hope you can find relief in those!
Well, I have certainly never been pregnant, but from one anxiety-sufferer to another currently-anxious person, I know that can anxiousness can turn into SUCH a slippery slope so quickly, and it’s not at all fun, but I have found talking to people who are really understanding can make a big difference. It sounds like you have a lot of people who fit that bill in your life! Sending you and your babe lots and lots of positive thoughts, vibes, and prayers!
Thank you, Bethany <3
Hey Julie! I am loving this. I have been reading since 2010 and I said it in a comment yesterday but I am 5 days behind you. It is SO fun to be able to relate to all of this. Few funny things…
-My husband laughs so hard when something will make me throw up, then right after I can down whatever it was or something else.
-I also suddenly hated sweets and veggies. NOT NORMAL for me. I think I told my husband everyday how bad I felt for feeding baby carbs and Swedish fish for 8 weeks straight. It looks like we have had exact same cravings/aversions
-Oh the pregnancy acne…whoever said you glow when you are pregnant is full of it!
I am so happy for you! Hope the morning sickness goes away for good soon. Look forward to following along with you until our sweet babies come. I will be praying for ya’ll. I know I have been super anxious so I can total relate to lots of prayers going on in the house.
Also, I was recommended Mama Mio skin care. I bought the face wash and belly cream. They have a “no nasties” policy. Everyone I know who have used it LOVE it and swear by it. I will let you know what I think of the facewash.
I’ve been using their belly cream and love it so far!
Haha!! So, so similar! I love it!
First of all congrats!!! I suspected and was hoping you might be preggers. For some reason the Harry and David pears set off that thought in my mind when you posted about how amazing they were. I had some when I was pregnant and they tasted even more heavenly than when I’m not pregnant.
We just had Baby number 2 and have planned on being done but for some reason reading this post made me want more!!! The miracle of life is truly amazing. You and Ryan are going to love this journey and I’m so excited we get to follow along.
Oh and I think it’s a boy 🙂
yesssssss! poor ryan didn’t even get ONE pear. 🙂 so yummy! and congrats on the birth of your second child!!
Biggest congrats to you! I definitely think it is a girl, for absolutely no rational reason haha! After reading your blog for many many years I can see you and Ryan being such amazing parents to either a little girl or boy! You would be such an amazing role model 🙂
Thank you!!
I vote YES to weekly updates! I love reading pregnancy/baby updates.
I’m guessing BOY based on your cravings 😉
I was terrified of giving birth as well but it was seriously so much easier (haha!) and less painful than I thought. I did get an epidural though 😉
I have been reading your blog for a few years and was so excited when you shared this news. I am currently 11 weeks and 4 days pregnant and would looove you to continue with updates! it is quite strange to have felt such happiness for a stranger but I’m seriously so happy for you guys!
So happy for you, Emily! Congratulations!
Question: Where did you go to get a test done at 14 weeks to determine the gender? Were they 100% sure? I would freak out if I thought for a month I was having one gender and then at the next scan it said another gender. Will you be announcing the gender on the blog next week or the week after?
We had the 3D ultrasound done at an imaging center. They were pretty darn positive, but I’m waiting until after our official anatomy scan next week to share the news on the blog. 🙂
Congratulations!! So happy for you guys! I am guessing a boy. I say that because you said the imaging center was pretty darn positive…usually early on they are less hesitant to confirm if it is a boy than they are if it is a girl since sometimes parts can be a little “hidden”…but if you see it, you see it. 😀 Can’t wait to find out for sure!
Yes- weekly updates!!! 🙂 Thank you for being so open and honest during this time in your life. I, too, love reading ‘real people’s’ experiences when it comes to pregnancy. My husband and I have been back and forth as to ‘when to bite the bullet’ because as I’m sure you know, there’s never a ‘good time’. SO excited for you!!
And I loved the comment about Sadie being 100% clueless- that seriously made me laugh outloud!
Congrats! I am currently pregnant too ( 21 weeks – more then half way there – eek!) and I laughed at your comment about gummy candy! Let me just tell you gummy bears have never tasted so good! 🙂
No kidding!!! I’ve always been more of a chocolate girl, but right now it’s ALL GUMMY ALL THE TIME. 🙂
I would love to see regular updates on your pregnancy! Keep them coming! You are going to make a great mom.
Congrats! I have a 14 month old baby girl and the love you will feel when he/she pops out is unbelievable! Looking forward to your updates! I worked out my entire 9 months pregnant doing CrossFit and had a great pregnancy! I truly believe working out is what kept my preganancy so easy! I just listened to my body and scaled when needed! Keep it up girl! You look great!!
I have a 4 month old now. During my pregnancy I had food aversions. I could not stand pizza! PIZZA!? WHAT!? As well as Mexican food and avocados…it was very sad! But it all went away about a month after our little guy was born!
As for labor I was scared too but I read books about mindful birthing techniques and it really helped me mentally prepare. Our bodies are meant to do this, you can do it! When I was having contractions I kept telling myself that as soon as he’s born the pain will go away, and it did!
So excited for you guys!
So exciting and happy to be able to follow along your pregnancy journey! I’m currently 33 weeks pregnant with twins and was able to do pure barre until about 2 weeks ago, yay for barre classes! 🙂
It’s so fun to hear your experience with the pregnancy so far and just compare the similarities and differences to my own. I think you are having a girl.
I love reading your blog and I am excited to see how the blog changes and stays the same with the new little one in your life. I have always looked to your blog for healthy living and fitness (and pictures of Sadie, of course) but since I’ve become a mom working out has not been the same so I am always looking for inspiration for how other moms include fitness with little ones running around. Prayers for your little family and a healthy pregnancy!
I attended a water aerobics class yesterday where the teacher taught in the pool! It’s totally doable. I hope it works out for you to teach! Healthy prayers for you and your little one!
I definitely like reading all the updated. Sometimes it is a little off putting when people shift their focus to babies once the time comes, but when I am genuinely interested in a person’s life I tend to not mind. Not saying you did this, just a general observation of mine. I am excited to follow you in the journey!
Congrats to you, Ryan and Sadie! I totally hope that you will do weekly updates! It’s so fun reading my favorite blogs, especially when they are expecting! My husband and I are on month three of trying. I might check into the period tracker app you used. I’ve been using one called Cycles that tracks your period, fertility and ovulation, but it seems like my period is so different each month in terms of length, flow and time between cycles. I’ve only been off of the pill since December, but I still find myself getting frustrated with the situation. I think I’m just going to *try* and stop worrying about it and just go with the flow.. no pun intended lol. It will happen for us when God decides the time is right 🙂 PS- I am going to guess boy! Can’t wait to find out!
I LOVE white / neutral colored baby rooms! So pretty!! And an old wives tale is that you have blemishes then you’re having a girl.. Which confirms my prediction I told you last post haha! 😉
Just to put your mind at ease I am also a huge BABY when it comes to anything painful/hurting myself. I literally feel like I’m going to faint when I cut myself the tiniest bit. I’ve had 2 babies and not once during either did I feel like I was going to faint. It’s a totally different kind of pain and one that is expected so I find it totally different. Giving birth was actually my fav part of both pregnancies and the second baby was a fast 3.5 hour labour where I didn’t have time for the epidural that I really wanted…and I still loved it! You will be just fine 🙂
thank you for sharing this with me!!
Congratulations Julie and Ryan! I’ve been reading your blog since I was in college (4+ years) after discovering you through the initial Pinterest boom. Excited to hear about baby updates alongside the usual fitness/recipe related content!
I totally hear you on the odd weight distribution. When I got pregnant I assumed that all the weight gain would happen in my belly, but around the end of my 1st tri I realized that a couple of my jackets were fitting too tight in the arms and I FLIPPED OUT! I was super bummed about it because I thought it meant I was gaining too much weight, but my doctor said that everyone is different when it comes to how they gain pregnancy weight. I’m now in the last week of my pregnancy (a little overdue), and I ended up gaining about 31-32 lbs, within the normal range, so now I feel silly for being so stressed about it. But it has been really annoying not being able to wear my favorite leather jacket! Congratulations and I look forward to reading your updates!!!
Congratulations to you and Ryan!! I am 30 weeks pregnant and have definitely looked back on multiple people’s blogs to see their pregnancy weekly updates. During the first trimester, I had a lot more food aversions than cravings. One of my aversions was raw veggies (but I could handle cooked veggies) and since my go-to meal was always a salad, I had such a hard time deciding on what I wanted to eat. I also had to avoid Whole Foods for awhile b/c of the sight of their salad bar and b/c of all the smells. During the second and third trimester, I haven’t really had any consistent food aversions, just some days, one thing may not sound good to me. But as far as cravings go, if I didn’t care about nutrients, I would live off of cereal and peanut butter (or almond butter) and jelly sandwiches.
Good luck with maintaining your workout routine! I have continued to run and lift so far and I really think it has helped with fatigue, moodiness, and nausea. But I actually think this morning was my last run. I’m starting to feel a lot of pressure down there after my runs. I’m a little bummed by it, but I know I’ll be fine and it will all be worth it!! 🙂
I have been following your blog for several years now. It is so funny, I actually saw your announcement on Instagram first. I was sitting at my desk at work and squealed a little bit. One of the girls I worked with asked me if I was ok and I said, “JULIES PREGNANT!!!”. She looked at me like I was crazy and asked who Julie was haa!! I forgot for a moment that I do not really “know” you and the people I work with don’t either…I was just SOOO excited for you ha! I would LOVE weekly updates!!
So so excited for you and congrats (:
Love the Q&A! You’re so genuine about your life and it’s refreshing to hear someone just let it all out there, no matter the amount of TMI involved!
Congrats to you, Ryan and Sadie!
I vote yes to weekly updates. I love reading that kind of stuff!
Julie – congratulations!!!! So happy for you and Ryan! I’m also thrilled you’ll be continuing with pregnancy updates! (I’m due August 25!)
Everyone asked how our dog would react to our addition coming in June. My response “April is going to be PISSED!” Our little girl isn’t as needy as Sadie, but she is definitely used to being an only child.
I can’t believe you didn’t take the test right for two weeks! That is hilarious! Of course I got my BFP (big fat positive) two days before my period was due. And proceeded to immediately go to Walgreens and buy a bunch of early pregnancy tests. Of course my husband didn’t really believe me until a week or two later when I peed on a digital test that said “PREGNANT”.
Thanks for sharing with all of us! This is so exciting!
Haha!! Yes, I’ve said the same thing about Sadie… I think she’ll learn to love the baby, but I don’t think it will be an instant love connection. 🙂
I just recently found out I’m pregnant, and one of my dogs definitely knows (I have 3 total and the other 2 seem clueless). She’s normally not overly affectionate or needy but has been ridiculously cuddly the past few weeks and constantly attached to my side. I’m pretty sure she knew I was pregnant well before I did!
Julie,
Like many of your readers have said, I had a feeling this announcement was coming soon! Your blog has been such an incredible resource for me – from wedding planning, to gift ideas, travel, etc. Since I started reading your blog a few years ago, I dated my husband in Sarasota, planned a wedding in Tallahassee, got married in Savannah, and have lived in Jacksonville for almost 2 years. I love reading about the restaurants and other places you visit b/c I’ve usually been there or I’m thinking about it! We have even talked about going to Ireland for our one year anniversary trip so I will be looking at those posts again.
We are looking to start trying for a family next Fall, so I am extra excited to follow along with your journey. This baby is so fortunate to be born into a family with so much love. I wish you all the best and look forward to sharing in your excitement from afar.
That is so exciting! Thank you so much for reading for so long! 🙂
Reading that you feel you are overcoming your anxiety with needles is so relieving!! I hope to be a mama one day but am literally brought to tears imagining a needle so bravo to you!
Congratulations again, Julie! I loved reading all of the details, and would definitely be interested in weekly pregnancy update posts!
I’m so happy for you guys! I’ve been following your blog for about 2 years now and it’s exciting to follow along on your journey! I’ve had two babies and giving birth really isn’t that terrible ( considering people keep having them! HA). It’s honestly a mental game if you can talk yourself through contractions ( when the time comes and with Ryan’s help!) You’ll be do great, especially with as fit as you are that will really make a difference too! Prayers from our family to yours! 🙂
I have been reading your blog for a couple years now and I love it! I actually do not read any other blogs whatsoever and I don’t even remember how I stumbled upon yours, but I read it religiously. I even feel weird about writing this since I don’t know you and you don’t know me lol.
But anyway, congratulations on your pregnancy! I have a 3-year-old son and I just have to say that I am horrified by needles and gory stuff, and I truly, 100% expected my childbirth to be personally awful. I thought I would scream, cry, end up with a C-section, and so on. None of that happened actually. It was completely the opposite of what I had predicted. And as for all the needles, I was so, so, so exhausted by the time he was ready to come out (he was 11 days overdue) that I could not have cared less what they did to me!! Seriously, I did not care. At all.
For me, the hardest part was being in the throes of labor and finally recognizing that OH MY GOD there is no way that this is happening unless I seriously push this baby out, there’s no turning back. And then you suck it up, be strong, and do what you have to do.
Wishing you a great rest of your pregnancy and a happy delivery!
This comment made me feel SO much better!!! Thank you for sharing your experience!