Last week I celebrated getting through the first half of my pregnancy and wanted to share some of the things I have been enjoying thus far. One thing I have noticed about pregnancy - and perhaps child raising in general - is that the opinions are strong and all over the map. One day I'll have someone tell me they couldn't have gotten through life without maternity clothes and the next day I'll hear from someone else that maternity clothes are a complete waste of money. I'm learning there is little ambivalence; it's a love/hate relationship with everything.
Which is no big deal. All this really means is I have to wait and see what's going to work for me and try things out for myself. I cannot express enough : my number one belief with pregnancy is that you have to do whatever feels right for you and your baby. But that said, most of these favorite things are items I heard about from other mamas and tried on their recommendations so it can't hurt to share.
Great with Child by Beth Ann Fennelly. When I shared with friends that I was pregnant, I was sent this book as a gift (thank you, Sara!) and immediately read it cover to cover. I laughed, I cried, I LOVED it. Truly the only book I would recommend to a new (or experienced!) mother. It's a gift I'll be giving newly pregnant friends for the rest of my life. Love that it celebrates pregnancy and motherhood in an honest but uplifting way.
citrus! So happy to be pregnant during citrus season. Loving little cuties, big oranges and nearly everything else lining the produce section these days.
Alternative Apparel henley tees. These have been perfect in the first half while my bump has been small. I imagine I'll be able to continue to wear them for a bit, especially with tank tops (Old Navy has long great ones) or my be maternity band (which I wasn't wild about at first but find much more comfortable as my bump has gown). Love the texture and sleeve length of these henleys - super flattering.
Pangea Organics facial skincare. This isn't new. I have been using Pangea Organics for the past year and a half. But so far, I have not had to switch to anything different. My face is behaving well despite the hormonal changes. (The rest of my skin is pretty dry, but I think that's more winter's fault than anything else.)
nameberry.com. I have spent endlessly entertaining hours on this site, reading new names and shouting them to Paul. Our favorite girl's name (that we are 99% set on) isn't too much of a hit over there, but we love it anyway. Totally fun if you are looking for new ideas and their lists are pretty awesome.
Vitafusion Prenatal gummy vitamins. I had been taking these (or a generic version) for over a year before I got pregnant and am continuing to take them daily. Swallowing pills is not my favorite thing so this is working for me.
Snoogle Total Body Pillow. I made a mistake at about 15 weeks and read that I should now be sleeping only on my side OR ELSE. I am NOT a side sleeper and for about two weeks I woke up often at night on my back or stomach, worried that I was hurting the baby. Enter the Snoogle. It keeps me on my side and also keeps me incredibly comfortable at night.
maxi-dresses and skirts. As my normal jeans have stopped fitting, I am reaching for maxis more and more. In Southern California this usually works out okay (though in spring they will be much more exciting). I am always on the look out for a cute, soft skirt. Recently purchased this one on sale and I'm loving it.
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