Update: The Baby Bump
For those of you just now joining the fun around here, you may have missed my big announcement a couple of months ago- I’m having a baby! My very 1st baby to be exact. Due date: February 20th.
Since this is a food blog, I decided early on that I wasn’t going to veer way off course and bore you with a daily bump watch. But as the weeks go by, I’ve found that several of you are curious about what is going on with me at the moment, so I thought I’d share a bit with you today. And for those of you that are only here for the food, don’t worry, there’s a bit of that tossed in too!
The answers to the questions that inquiring minds want to know:
1) Are you having a boy or a girl?
I have no idea! When I tell people this, I’ve gotten reactions from one extreme to the next- most people think I’m insane and say that there is no way that they could stand not knowing. Others absolutely love the fact that we’re keeping it a mystery. To many who know me well, this news came as a complete shock because I’m such a planner. But this is one thing in my life that I’ve always wanted to be a big surprise!
I can’t wait to hear the words “It’s a Boy!” or “It’s a Girl!” the moment the little bugger makes an appearance.
2) Have you had any weird pregnancy cravings?
Guacamole. It may not seem too weird, but for the first several weeks of pregnancy, I craved it a few times a week. This is a bit strange because I used to hate guac. It has only been in the past couple of years that I’ve found I like it sometimes– but it had to be really, really good. Since getting pregnant, I’m not choosy where it’s from or how good it is. I just want it.
Other things I crave: Pasta, Cheese, Burgers.
Pasta is a strange craving because it has not typically been a big part of my every day life. I probably only ate it once every few months before becoming pregnant but now I eat it about once a week.
As for cheese, I’ve always loved it, but perhaps not to the extent that I do right now. Not a day goes by that I don’t have some sort of cheese– and it can be any time of day –breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack. The stronger the better (bring on the blue cheese!)
I’ve eaten more burgers in the past 2 months than I’ve had in total over the last 2 years. Last weekend I had an incredibly delicious Bacon Blue Cheeseburger from Melrose Pub. Happiness.
3) Any aversions?
Broccoli. For a while I couldn’t eat it at all, but lately I’ve been forcing myself because I know it’s good for me. Of course, adding cheese helps. (see cravings)
Wine. It doesn’t bother me in the least that I can’t drink wine right now. It doesn’t appeal to me at all, and when I did take a little sip recently, it tasted bitter to me.
Tom Kha Gai. This is so sad because I typically LOVE this Thai coconut soup. I’ve tried to eat it twice now and it makes me gag. Perhaps it’s the fish sauce?
4) How are you feeling?
I’m not tired like I was early on, but I’m pretty much always uncomfortable. My hips, legs, and feet ache, and I feel like I’ve aged about 20 years in the past 6 months. I thought I would be a person that would keep on working out as intensely as possible until the last moment, but that has not been the case.
Because of some complications early on, I had to go on complete pelvic rest for several weeks, which meant absolutely no exercise. Once I was released from that, and able to start moving again, I had to take it easy. So now my workouts consist of going for walks and lifting hand weights a few times a week. Gone are the days of walking lunges and spin class. I get so out of breath just doing what I’m doing that I can’t even imagine doing those things right now anyway!
5) Have you decorated the nursery?
Um, no. We painted the room, so at least that’s progress. The color is Prescott Green by Benjamin Moore (inspired by this room). And though I haven’t actually purchased a single item yet, I have started a Pinterest board of ideas. My goal is to start the shopping/ordering this week!
And speaking of this week, as of yesterday, my whole plan for the upcoming holiday weekend changed. Instead of doing our typical drive to Kentucky for Thanksgiving with my family, we’ve decided to head to the beach for one last trip as a couple before the baby comes. I’m so excited, as I think we really need this time together to relax and rejuvenate before the craziness of Christmas begins and then the baby arrives to turn our world upside down!
Oh the beach sounds like a wonderful idea! Glad you’re getting a little time to relax. :)
I’ve started reading my Happiest Baby on the Block book in the last few days and plan to take it for beach reading. It’s good stuff- thank you so much again!!
Totally loving that color for the babes room. Congrats by the way. And I totally agree with everyone else. I couldn’t imagine going 9 months without knowing the gender. Heck I think I’d have a hard time waiting the 16 weeks. :)
I craved lemon stuff at first (very typical) and then beer and cigarettes! Two things I have never been interested in! And, of course, two things I could not have. And I remember the very last salad I tried to eat while pregnant…I just could not swallow it. Still haven’t gotten back into the salad habit. Which is why I weigh as much now as I did when I was 22 weeks pregnant!
The arm weights are a great idea. Anythink you can do to work on upper body strength is a great idea. Wish I’d done that!
Cigarettes!?? How odd.
I actually still love salads, which I’m happy about and hope that doesn’t change!
Sean and I are so very happy for the two of you! ;)
I had no cravings but I had zero interest in wine until W was 8 or 9 weeks old. I expected to miss it but, like you, it just didn’t appeal to me.
Off topic: Are you taking pictures of yourself at regular intervals? I wish I’d done that. I ended up with only four pregnancy pics and two of them are shirtless so I can’t exactly display them. :)
No, I’ve been so bad about taking photos! I only have the one set of photos from when I made my announcement at about 20 weeks, and a couple of random snapshots since. Nothing that really highlights my growth! Will be sure to get a few while on vacation this week :-)
How great that you’re taking a trip to the beach before the holiday & baby arrival craziness :) Enjoy every minute!
If you’re looking for a good pregnancy-safe workout, you should check out Suzanne Bowen’s Prenatal Workout DVD (http://tinyurl.com/7xbwjcf). She also teaches an incredible barre class in Franklin that I’m addicted to! (http://barreamped.com/)
Thanks so much for the suggestion. I was just saying to my husband last night that I wanted to get a yoga video or something….I just want to stretch!!! This is perfect, and I am ordering it right now!
Aww, a Babymoon – what a perfect way to spend Thanksgiving! I love the paint color you chose for the nursery. It’s going to be beautiful Beth. I’m so glad you’re enjoying your pregnancy & I can’t wait to meet Baby Sachan!
Thanks Ally!!
Thanks for the post, Beth! You answered all my “long distance questions!”
I craved peanut butter and oranges with Elena. And then when Leo came along, I went through every drive-thru that served crispy chicken tenders – couldn’t get enough of those bad boys! With George, I was just lucky to find the TIME to eat ANYTHING! ; )
I love all the things you’ve picked out for your Nursery! I can’t wait to see the final result.
Have fun on your second Babymoon!
xoxo,
Libby
Beth, congrats on your baby bump! My little girl, Annabelle, just arrived last month. I can relate to all of your cravings, I ate more pasta and burgers in my first 2 trimesters than I probably have in my whole life. The 3rd trimester kinda evened out for me, I still craved carbs but not burgers or the other stuff as intensely. And as for working out, I know exactly what you mean! It’s just survival at this point, hang in there, you’ll get to spin class again…I’m heading back to my aerobics class finally next week and can’t wait!! Good luck with everything!!
So happy for you guys! I was just looking at some of your latest pics on FB today. She’s precious!
It sounds like your pregnancy is progressing along wonderfully! And I secretly love the fact you want to be surprised! All my friends think I’m crazy that I’d even entertain the idea of not knowing. I just think it makes it a bit more miraculous that way :)
I found your website when surfing for salted pecan caramel bars. It looks lovely and I see laods of very good recipes. I will come back for sure and try other things.
Congrats on your pregnancy! For us, Dutch people, it’s pretty normal not knowing the sex of the baby. I have two girls (Dagmar – 4 and Jorunn – 2) and I didn’t know they were girls before they were born. Although it can be very nice to know, but the guessing, the dreaming of what’s living and growing in your womb is the best, and that’s an understatement! Keep dreaming about your little one. It will be even better than you ever expected it to be!
Love from the Netherlands!
Hi Maud, thanks for dropping a note and the encouraging words on keeping our little one a surprise! All the best~ Beth
I never found out if we were having a girl or boy with our three children (all teenagers now)! That’s the biggest surprise in your life!
Aww yay! Reading this makes me so happy for you! And I give you permission to punch those jerks in the face who think you’re nuts for waiting to find out the gender. There are such few surprises in this life that are as good as this!
Congratulations! I think its great that you can keep it a surprise, I couldn’t stand it and had to know! My sweet little Lillie is 9 months now and cutting teeth like crazy! I love the green that you’ve chosen for the nursery!