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Baby E Update: The First Two Trimesters!

Note: all photography in this post is by the wonderful and incredibly talented Rachael Lauren Photography.  If you are in the Denver area or Twin Cities, I HIGHLY recommend her for family photography!  

Hey there!   Happy Thursday!  Today I am officially 28 weeks pregnant which means goodbyyyyye 2nd trimester and hellooooo third trimester!  I kind of have mixed feelings about this.  On one hand, I feel like holy cow - did I blink and two trimesters have gone by?  On the other I'm all I feel like I have been pregnant forever.

More than anything, I know that I want to really savor these last few months as a family of three before this baby makes his arrival.  Don't get me wrong - I am more than excited to meet our new little guy, but I'm also really enjoying the time we've had this summer to spend some quality time with Lars.

He's at this perfect age where he's super interested in doing things (like, not just along for the ride, but actually gets excited), his sleeping schedule is more flexible than last year, and there are just endless new things to do with him.

So I figured since I haven't really done any pregnancy updates this time around I should at least do one, now that I'm two trimesters into it.  Do you all like reading pregnancy updates?  I LOVE reading other people's, so I feel bad that this is really my first one!

Honestly, this pregnancy has been pretty similar to my last, in that it's been pretty uneventful.  There have definitely been quite a few differences, too, like feeling more sick at the beginning and my activity level, which I think also correlates with less back and hip pain this time around.

I'd say the decreased back and hip pain is one of the biggest differences that I notice on a daily basis.  Or rather, don't notice.  Last pregnancy I started having hip pain starting around 16 weeks that didn't let up until after I delivered Lars.  This time I actually did start to have some lower back pain around 20-22 weeks, however it let up and now I'm pretty much pain free.

Last pregnancy I attributed my lower back and hip to just my growing pelvis and body in general, but now I have a hunch that it was because I ran almost up until the end of that pregnancy.  While I felt great during my runs, I think it was just a little too strenuous of an activity on my body.

This time around, I'm definitely staying active, but just not running.  I've been really loving going to cycling and barre classes, which I feel are a good balance of cardio and strengthening.  I've done a few Body Pump classes here and there but I definitely notice an increase in lower back pain the day after, so I'm thinking it might not be the best form of exercise for me right now.  For awhile I was doing a lot of walking, but Lars is on somewhat of a stroller-strike so that makes getting walks in challenging.  I also plan on starting more yoga to keep my hips open, now that I'm in the third trimester.

Since I haven't had the lower back pain, I also haven't had to use my Bump Nest Pregnancy Pillow much.  I did use it when I had a little back pain a couple of months ago, but these days I just use a pillow between my knees for a little support.  I also use two pillow for head support because of heartburn.  With two Tums before bed and the extra head support, my heartburn has been almost nonexistent for a few weeks!

A lot of people have asked me if we think that Lars knows what's going on.  For awhile I was thinking not really.  He would point to my belly and say "baby" but he has seen very few babies in his life, so I didn't think he understood what that meant.  Now that he has a new baby cousin, I think he's getting it a little more.  We will talk about his baby cousin and then he'll point to my belly and say "baby."  He also gives it kisses, and the other day he set his Thomas the Train toy on my bell to "share" with his brother.  If you know Lars at all, you know that's a pretty big deal!

The last difference between this pregnancy and last is just the fact that I'm chasing after a toddler all. the. time.  I almost feel like I was less tired last pregnancy when I was working full time, opposed to this pregnancy when I'm home most days and I'm keeping up with Lars.  Some days when nap time rolls around it literally takes everything in me not to take a nap, too!  And when 9:00 comes, you bet I'm ready for bed!

Okay and now for all of the questions that I used to answer with each and every pregnancy update last time:

How far along are you? 28 weeks.

Cravings:  For the longest time I was craving potatoes in every form (but mostly tater tots), but that has calmed down.  Recently I've been craving banana bread, lots of fruit, ice cream, and burgers.

Food Aversions: Nada.

Generally Feeling: Pretty good.  I can't complain.  I'm getting to the point where I just feel uncomfortable a lot of the time because of the size of my belly.  It just gets in the way of things like tying my shoes, sitting on the ground (which Lars often insists on), and getting out of bed.

Looking Forward To: Soaking up the last month of two of summer while simultaneously being excited for fall!  But honestly, I'm not ready for fall yet.

Miss Anything: Sushi, runny eggs, and an ice cold beer.

Movement: Lots and lots.  I generally feel him the most in the morning and at night.  I had my glucose test this week and I think he was having a little dance party in there while I was waiting - too much sugar for a little peanut!

What I’ve Been Loving: Spending lots of time with Lars, checking off things left and right on our summer bucket list, and feeling all those kicks from our little guy.

Also, I mentioned this last pregnancy, but I want to share it again -  this post from The Balanced Life talks about body image and social expectations of women during pregnancy.  I’ve definitely had my share of moments of feeling bad about having dessert every night or feeling like I’m gaining weight too quickly, and her post really reinforced my mindset of going into pregnancy with the goal to eating the most nutritious food for my baby most of the time, but also still enjoying these nine months to the fullest. Amen!

Maternity Clothes:  Pretty much.  I'm wearing maternity jeans and jean shorts, some elastic banded linen shorts from Old Navy, and a combo of maternity and non-maternity dresses.

Okay, I think that's it for now!  Thanks for tagging along on this baby #2 journey!

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  1. So excited for you, Taylor! Glad to hear you've had an easier time this pregnancy with fewer aches and pains. I didn't run nearly as much during my second pregnancy either--I believe running around after a toddler is definitely enough running during pregnancy! 😉 While the first few months finding your new "normal" with a toddler and newborn is challenging, you're going to just love watching Lars as a big brother, and seeing that brotherly bond strengthen through time.

  2. How exciting, Taylor! Enjoy this third trimester, and I can't wait to hear of Baby #2's arrival.

    During my second pregnancy I remember running a 5K event in Week 16, and another one in Week 17, and then I was done! It was really hard-going trying to run when pregnant. I only took up running after I had already had my first baby, so I didn't really have anything to compare it to, but I kept up the yoga and walking in both pregnancies which felt great. The pregnancy can certainly be more tiring the second time around when looking after a toddler!

    All the very best in these last few weeks and I am thinking of you!

    Bridget x x

  3. AWWWWWWW I love that Lars was trying to share with his baby brother <3 SO sweet...<3 I cant wait to see how cute baby #2 will be...
    I am so glad this pregnancy has been easier on you and that is so wise to be enjoying your months with Lars! As an 'oldest child' thing certainly change when the sibling life happens but he will love it!

  4. Yay I love this update!! It's all so exciting and eeee Lars sharing his Thomas is so sweeeet