Fifteen Weeks

Well we've reached the second trimester.

 

Notable differences between my first and second pregnancies are:

1. Morning sickness, headaches, and terrible heartburn during first trimester. I did not experience this while pregnant with Gavin.

2. Started showing much sooner with second pregnancy.

3. Once my appetite returned I noticed that my cravings and overall food preferences are not only different from my pre-pregnant self but also different than my appetite and cravings while pregnant with The G-Mann. Definitely craving more comfort food these days. Simple, uncomplicated, not too much seasoning. Cinnamon rolls are the most notable craving. The flaky kind at Starbucks with the granular sugar sprinkled on top. I believe they are called "morning bun." Very recently I have been able to venture back into some of the spicy stuff - Indian food and salsa.

4. The back and sciatica issues I had with Gavin started much sooner with MB2. I read that is common. Laying on the floor or my current couch is out if the question. We recently purchased a new sectional and recliner. I am hoping the new seating options will be more accommodating during grow-a-baby time. Thank goodness for tempurpedic beds. It could be my only salvation. Stretching helps but only relieves pain during stretch. Pain comes back as soon as stretching ends and getting up off the floor is a long painful process. This will only get worse as I grow larger.

5. Biggest difference this time around is that we have decided not to find out the sex of our baby. It will be a surprise. I have a boy name and girl name and a gender neutral name in mind. Came to me much quicker than when we were expecting Gavin. Casey is still mum on his name ideas, but open to my suggestions.

6. My overall attitude toward pregnancy two is a little different. I am less anxious about things like what kind of food I should be eating, but more fearful of the pregnancy's progression in general. Between Gavin's birth and my second pregnancy, I have known more women who had complications, miscarriages, etc. I am much more aware of how precarious life can be and what a miracle it is that healthy pregnancies and births occur at all. I think that almost five years of motherhood has made me more compassionate and I extend that compassion toward myself as well. I'm more patient and less judgemental. I am following doctors orders to take it easy, which can be hard at times, mostly during my workday. It's a different emotional experience not anticipating to find out or already knowing the sex. I am still working on how to articulate this difference.

7. We've decided to change our guest room into a nursery. I've found inspiration  in what my family enjoys the most - the outdoors. I envision a mobile made of tree  limbs and fabric birds, playful insect elements, and calming images of familiar landscapes from our family time outside. A peaceful, happy place.

Fun wall hooks and drawer knobs I recently found at World Market. Love that place.