Finally feeling better! FINALLY!!!! The first trimester and till about week 18 were a little rough. Any other first-time mamas experience all the nausea and exhaustion?? I thought I had prepared myself and honestly, I think I’m pretty tough, but . . . it’s been a bit more than I was more than I was expecting. Good news- the 2nd trimester has me believing I’ve turned the corner!
Pregnancy has been one of the most amazing and interesting experiences of my life– sickness, exhaustion, astonishment, all of it. There was an instant shift inside of me and my perspective has been changed forever. My urge to travel and explore has been replaced temporarily with a need to be near home, close to Mad and working to make the new house a home. I’m spending a lot of time in the future nursery designing the space and smiling at the thought of her in my arms and those little hands . . . what a blessing. I may be tired and sick, but more than anything I feel thankful.
I’ve gotten so many great pregnancy questions from you guys! I’ve rounded up the top 15. Here they are in no particular order. I’m really excited to get to share this incredible journey with you guys!
Pregnancy Q&A with Mary
How did you tell Mad you were pregnant?
I decided to take a test at 10pm one night because my boobs were noticeably bigger. He had no idea and was downstairs having his routine pb&j sandwich before bed (lucky metabolism!). It happened A LOT faster than what we planned so I calmly told him it was okay to freak out buttttt (and held up the test)! He was overjoyed and we both barely even slept that night. I was only 2 weeks at that point so we kept it our secret till 12 weeks. I then proceeded to be crazy and take 15+ test over the next 5 weeks =)
What’s been the most challenging part of pregnancy?
The exhaustion. I'm used to running from one thing to the next and pregnancy has definitely slowed me down!
Any pregnancy work-outs you’re loving?
Pilates and strength training! I've always loved to run but it's starting to become uncomfortable so I've switched up my routine a bit.
Any strange cravings?
v8! Literally drinking a gallon every week. It's the only craving I've had so far.
What do you eat in a day?
Breakfast is either: two eggs and an avocado OR Siggis yogurt (15grams of protein, it's the best) and/or banana with peanut butter, depending on how hungry she is =)
Lunch -- I really just snack my way from breakfast to dinner making a cautious effort to work protein in -- hummus, beans (I soak and cook them myself), cottage cheese, cereal, nuts, fruits, and always more avocado. I typically will mix a bunch of random stuff in a bowl - current fav is hummus, avocado, sliced bell pepper, and black beans!
Dinner- We eat wild salmon about 2x a week, sweet potato, and a green of some sort. Because eggs are an easy source of protein I often make an omelet for dinner. Other than that we will go out to one of our fav restaurants in town.
Favorite new mama/pregnancy books?
Currently reading Bringing Up Bebe and it's great!
Babywise
Happiest Baby on the Block
How do you think Miles & Allie will be around the baby?
We're a little worried. Allie has always been uneasy around kids, especially the toddler age and Miles is just 135+ lbs and still has puppy energy. Mad is reading about how to bring a new baby home to the pups and we've actually had a play baby out letting them watch us interact with it. We also plan to bring the babies clothes to the house before she comes home from the hospital so they can smell/sleep with the clothes. Do you guys have any other recs?!
How do you plan to handle all of the travel with the baby?
Travel is a big part of my job and since I'm planning on breastfeeding she will definitely be on the road with me. I will take a nanny or my mom with me and make sure my schedule is slower and more manageable.
How much weight have you gained?
I gained 12lbs in the first trimester! It's now slowed and I'm 22 weeks and have gained 16lbs. I was a little worried initially but feel like my body needed it as long as I'm eating healthy and comfortably working out.
Do you and Madison have her name picked out? When will you share?
We do but we're keeping it between us for now! Stay tuned.
Will you share about the baby on HG?
Yes definitely. Fashion has always been the focus and personal style has been at the core of the Happily Grey. That will not change. But, the plan along for the new site was to share more of my life and push past just what’s in my closet. Baby and home will be topics that we are covering now regularly, in addition to all the outfit posts you guys are used to.
What pregnancy skincare products are you loving?
I've been using Tata Harper's Redefining body oil on my belly and breasts to prevent stretch marks. It hydrates and smooths, and is 100% natural and nontoxic. I've also heard almond oil is great. Have you guys ever used it? I also like The Honest Co's balm - It's a little more cost effective.
What are you most excited about becoming a mom?
Being a mom has always been my lifelong dream. Mad and I had been dating for two weeks and he ask me my ultimate dream in life to which I answered, "Getting to be a mom one day." I specifically have always loved tiny babies. Growing up, I spent my Sundays in the church nursery, babysat as much as I could, and nannied for two newborns in college. Initially I worked in the NICU after finishing nursing school. I love babies. It feels surreal that I am soon to have one of my very own. I’ve been waiting for a long time for this moment.
XX,