Pregnancy Update: 17+2 Weeks

HOW FAR ALONG: 17+2 weeks. I feel like it has taken FOREVER to get this far! I would by no means consider myself a patient person so watching the weeks tick by has been a bit of a struggle. I have had to consciously tell my self to relax and enjoy the process several times a day. I am hoping my increased focus on medication and prayer will continue to curb my anxiety.

HIS SIZE: 5 inches; the size of a pomegranate

WEIGHT GAIN: 11 lbs. The dreaded weight gain. I was much more aware of gaining weight the first time I was pregnant with Ryann because I was not sure what to expect. Knowing that I gained 35 pounds with her has helped me come to terms with the fact that I will likely gain about the same this time. The good new is, if all thing remain equal to the last time, I lost all the weight by about 3 weeks postpartum. Thank you genetics and breastfeeding!

SLEEP: Aside from the peeing, rolling around, headaches and overactive mind, just OK. I have been trying to go to bed earlier (8:30-9ish) because I am finding that I am waking up much earlier (4 AM) regardless of when I go to sleep. And I am the kind of person that NEEDS 7-8 hours of sleep or I struggle all day long. I am considering investing in a maternity pillow but am still not 100% sold.

SYMPTOMS: H-E-A-D-A-C-H-E-S!!! And they are unpleasant and nearly debilitating at their worst. I had similar issues when I pregnant with Ryann but these seem to be more intense and tend to last longer. I did talk to my doctor and she prescribed me a prescription migraine medicine (apparently safe for pregnancy). Considering that is the number one ingredient in migraine medicine is caffeine, I decided to self-medicate by increasing my coffee intake. The side effects from the prescription were just a bit to scary for me to risk. While not enjoyable at this time, I am so thankful that I do not experience migraines or headaches when I am not pregnant and am so much more emphatic for this that do.

STRETCH MARKS: Zero. I was lucky enough not to get stretch marks with Ryann and I am hoping that trend continues. Again, than you genetics!

MOVEMENT: Off and on. Sometimes I feel like a hand mixer is churning in abdomen and other time he seems pretty still (or I am just to preoccupied to notice).

THREE THINGS I AM LOVING RIGHT NOW: 
1: Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner ($18) - This stuff is the best! I really struggled with pesky breakouts on my chin during the first trimester and this cleared them right up. It also combats fine lines. Some may see "glycolic acid" and freak. Don't worry, I did my homework. Both my dermatologist and OB said that it is safe as long as there is less than 10% concentration. This product only contains 2% gycolic acid concentration so it is well within that margin. If you need more info, check out this medical journal article. That being said, I am not a medical professional so always touch base with your doctor, as I did, if you have concerns.

2: Sephora Super Supreme Body Butter ($26) - The super creamy, super awesome lotion is formulated WITHOUT parabens, sulfates and phthalates. These are No No's for me and I am so thankful my sister recommended this product.

3: Amazing Grass Green Superfood Chocolate ($54 for 100 Servings) - My girls who have been pregnant before know why this made the list. And if this is your first pregnancy, buy this fast! This is part of my morning routine and I do not miss a serving. Most greens products are unbearable and taste like grass. The chocolate flavoring in this makes it easy to get down.

BOOKS I AM READING [OR LISTENING TO]: