Some people have been asking for a little update on how I’m feeling and how this pregnancy is going, so I thought a quick Young House Life check-in would be fun. The short answer is that I’m so excited about this little bun (as are John and of course Clara, who tells anyone who’ll listen that she’s going to be a big sister). Burger seems ambivalent at this point, but I’m sure when a kid with sticky crumb-dropping hands comes along he’ll be elated too.
It took me a long time to feel ready to carry a child again (more on that here), and it took us longer to get pregnant this time than it did last time, but over that span of time it feels like things have changed – in a slow but very sweet way. I’m a lot more at peace with the idea of being pregnant than I thought I might ever be (a few years ago that concept had me choking back anxiety-riddled tears). So when people ask me how I knew I was ready to try again after such a traumatic birth, the honest answer is really that over time my feelings of excitement and hope over-rode those feelings of terror and fear. They’re still there, but they’re not nearly as big and scary as they once were. So my advice would be to wait to see if the fear ever gets outweighed by joy, excitement, or hope and that might be a nice sign. It certainly didn’t happen overnight for me (Clara will be almost four when this kiddo comes along) but I’m finally in that place I hoped to be someday. I’m thrilled. I’m thankful. And I’m ready for this crazy ride, even if it might be nail-biting at times.
As for the physical stuff, I’m feeling kicks which instantly make me smile, and my energy level seems to be picking back up too, at least for the moment, which is really nice. According to the docs, who have a close eye on everything, the bun and I are both doing well, which is amazing and oh-so-comforting to hear. Honestly, just feeling a kick here and there makes me breathe a sigh of relief, so although I’m still dealing with some pretty annoying all-day sickness, I generally just feel thankful to be carrying a healthy bun. In the good news column of Barfyville, it’s not as severe as it was (without getting too graphic, I probably toss my cookies around 30% less than I did a few weeks ago, although I’m still running to the bathroom multiple times a day) so I feel like it might be slowly beginning to taper off. It ended at around 17 weeks with Clara, so although I’ve recently passed that mark, I’m hopeful that in another week or two it’ll just flip off like a switch, which is what happened last time around.
When it comes to finding out the sex, thanks to the office being closed for Thanksgiving, we have to wait another week, so we won’t find out until early December – but as soon as we do (and we tell our friends and family) we can’t wait to share the news with you guys and start thinking about nursery stuff! Oh man, just typing that makes me excited. I’m doing the same thing I did when I was pregnant with Clara, which is that I’ll see a date of something (like an expiration date on the milk or a date of when a movie comes out in a commercial) and if it’s after the ultrasound date in December my brain says “Wahoo! We should know what this bun is by then!” Of course this baby has already been notorious for not giving the techs a clear shot at things they need during ultrasounds (when they want measurements of certain areas I’ve had to do jumping jacks, roll back and forth, and run down the hall – sometimes even then only to hear “nope, didn’t work”). But we’ve never left without finally getting what we needed in the end, so I’m hopeful that the bun will cooperate and we’ll (eventually) get a clear shot.
So that’s about all the news I have for you guys. Thanks for asking how I’m feeling and offering various nausea tips (I’ve tried virtually all of them to no avail, but it was nice to have different suggestions to explore). And thanks for all the well wishes and the kind words about this pregnancy. It really is amazing to be carrying a little baby around in my belly, and when the doubt or fear creeps in it’s nice to be able to remind myself that so many people are out there sending such good thoughts our way.
Melanie says
My 20 week scan should have been on Thanksgiving day, but fortunately the receptionist at my doctor’s office took pity on me and let me come in at 19 weeks. I find out next Thursday! Do you want us to sign a petitiion for you to get in next week? Haha.
My morning sickness is lasting much longer in my second pregnancy than my first as well. It was over for me at 12 weeks with my first, and this time I’m still struggling with it at 18 weeks. It is tapering off though! Hang in there! Hopefully you’ll feel better soon! I really think part of my problem this time is not being able to rest as much as last time, but who knows?
Young House Life says
You’re so lucky! We even got the scheduling girl to call the ultrasound line directly to see if there was any wiggle room, but they were firm on being all booked up and putting us in for early Dec. We found out what Clara was at 19 weeks I think though (right before Christmas) and it was so exciting!
xo
s
Tee says
My children are 4.5 years apart and it is the greatest thing! My daughter is oldest and she has always been a loving, caring, and excited big sister to her little brother. They are 6 and 18 months now and starting to play together a lot. You have so much fun ahead of you!
Greta says
Yay for healthy babies and poop on pregnasia that’s the word we used during my pregnancy to make me laugh about it instead of barf again ;) I know it’s not going to make the sickness go away but if it makes you feel any better to know I had it up until my daughter was born maybe having it only to 17 or 19 weeks isn’t that bad? I will say Zofran was my best friend, I only took a half of a pill but it did the trick. Although if you do take it you won’t be able to poop….but I was at the point of I’d rather not poop than throw up again. ;) I’ve also heard the sicker the mom, the easier the baby will be when he/she is born so I’ll stop talking and leave you with that happy thought. ;)
Young House Life says
Haha, I haven’t heard that easier baby thing, but come to think of it my best friend’s second had her much sicker and he’s the most chill little boy! I guess time will tell!
xo
s
Heather says
My buddy was sick through the entire pregnancy with both girls, and both girls started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks. Crazyness! They’re were both easy babies too.
Young House Life says
No way!
xo
s
liz says
have you tried salty to curb sickness? I ate an insane amount of cheezit’s in the morning to feel better.
Hope you feel better soon!
Young House Life says
Cheeze-Its do help when I’m on the go (I keep a bag in my purse). I still get sick, but they seem to stave it off when I’m out running errands sometimes.
xo
s
Mrs. LIAYF says
So glad you and he bun are doing well!
I had morning sickness for 24 weeks (then a 2 week hiatus followed by Braxton Hicks contractions for a full 14 weeks – but that’s another story). :). Everyone, including my OB, the midwife practice group at the delivery wing and the ultrasound tech said the strong morning sickness meant the baby was a boy – and he was!
They only thing that helped even a little bit was Ginger People ginger chews. And chocolate pecan Luna Bars – the only thing I could keep down.
Young House Life says
Oh man, I tried Ginger Chews but no dice! I do like Larabars though!
xo
s
Elle says
Congrats on your healthy baby!! :) Have you heard of vitamins K + C for “morning” sickness? Here’s a study about it: http://www.thecompounder.com/your-health/pregnancy/morning-sickness-vitamins-c-a-k
The only caveat is that the form of vit K they used in the study is hard to absorb (and only available via prescription), so I personally took much less of K2 plus 1 children’s chewable vit C.
Young House Life says
Thanks Elle! I’ve tried a few other vitamin combos but I don’t think I’ve done that one! Will have to look into it!
xo
s
Patti says
I think you are very brave. After a routine, planned c-section over nine years ago, I recently had a more difficult experience with the birth of our second child. My experience was NOTHING compared to what you went through, but I immediately knew that I didn’t want to have another surgery. I really commend you for working through your anxiety to have another child. Of course, it is so worth it and we are grateful that we have our son. I found myself much more stressed the second time. I attribute it to being of “advanced maternal age” (aka old as dirt) and knowing what I have to lose since I already had a child who we love to bits. We learned the sex just before Christmas and my daughter loved being the one to share with our families that we were having a boy.
Young House Life says
Aw thanks so much Patti! I don’t really feel brave at all, just sort of stubborn. Ha! Love the Christmas story. How fun for your daughter to get to tell everyone! That’s so sweet.
xo
s
qs777 says
Glad to hear the nausea is tapering off. For what it is worth, those salad croutons in a box helped me out more days than not when I was pregnant. I was willing to try anything!
I know you want to find out, but maybe consider not finding out? We went back and forth at each ultrasound appointment, but it was actually kind of cool to not know in the end. We ended up not knowing for either of ours and it kind of gave me something to look forward to. Either way, hope it is easy! :)
Young House Life says
I’ve heard it’s so much fun not to know, but John and I are both too impatient! Haha! We can’t wait to find out. It was such a special moment for us when we found out with Clara. It was like a little half-way event that made us so excited and happy, and it was still just as thrilling to meet her 20 weeks later!
xo
s
Cory says
Double Mint gum. It’s amazing for nausea.
Young House Life says
Tried it! Delicious (love me some mint) but it didn’t work for me. My friend swore by gum though!
xo
s
Jessica says
My sister and I are about four years apart and I think it’s the perfect age gap! Clara and baby are def going to be besties!
Young House Life says
That’s so sweet!
xo
s
JennieM says
I am sure you have heard it all, but haven’t seen these 2 things. I was a 24/7/9month puker – with both kids. The nausea didn’t go away, but I also didn’t vomit with fresh pineapple and canned chocolate pudding (Costco brand). So unhealthy, but it stayed down. After that was down, I could add a little bit of healthy stuff after….
Young House Life says
Thanks for the tip! I tried pineapple (fresh) but haven’t tried pudding! Sounds good!
xo
s
Karen says
Aww, Sherry, I feel for you girl, I’d be too scared to even TRY to get preggies again after sweet Clara’s birth story!!!
You’re so brave! And rememeber this: This time your whole team of docs (well, I’m assuming) KNOW what could happen, and so this time, they’re prepared! With Clara, everyone thought it would be a normal birth. Knowing it could happen again, but everyone prepared? Oh, I’d be sleeping like a baby every night! Ha.
Young House Life says
Thanks Karen! I keep reminding myself that! The docs and nurses at my practice as AMAZING (they saved Clara!) and they’re all paying so much close attention. I’m so grateful!
xo
s
Danielle says
I’m just so, so happy for you guys!!! Our little guy is 6 weeks old. We waited two and a half years and endured a miscarriage before he arrived. I was so grateful for every kick and relished my pregnancy with him, even when my due date came and went. It was worth every moment. Our nine-year-old son is finally a big brother. Clara will make a fantastic big sister! Enjoy this time, no matter how scary it is. It sounds like you are in fantastic hands. Thank you for sharing this journey with us!
Young House Life says
Aw thanks Danielle, you’re so sweet! I’m so sorry for your loss.
xo
s
Haley says
I am so excited for your family. I was the same way as you were about dates. When buying milk, I’d turn to my man and be like “LOOK! Baby will be born before this milk expires!!!”. Not sure he was as excited.
I found out the gender around the same time last year and I kept it secret for a couple days, then made an ultrasound ornament with pink ribbon to surprise my parents and godmother. It is a nice keepsake that we will get to look at every year when decorating the tree.
Young House Life says
That’s such a cute idea! I bet they treasure that!
xo
s
Kara says
Hey there!
Just wanted to throw out another suggestion to help with morning/all the time sickness. I found that by taking additional B6 vitamins it cut down alot on nausea. Also, I found that it was hard to stay hydrated which lead to nausea, but water tasted disgusting to me. I used nonflavored seltzer water and added a spritz of lemonade or fruit juice. It definitely helped me out.
Best of luck!
Young House Life says
Thanks Kara! B6 didn’t work for me, but I have been drinking a lot of seltzer lately!
xo
s
Kristina says
I love that you check expiration dates against life events. I’m in pharmacy school and at work, I look at the drug expiration and think…this expires after I graduate! Glad I’m not the only weirdo :)
Young House Life says
I love that!
xo
s
kristen says
Congrats!!!
I just wanted to say that I think almost 4 when you get a baby sibling is perfect! My sister and I are 3.5 years apart and are BFFs. I really think its the perfect amount of spacing between kiddos. Also, my boyfriend’s much younger brothers are also 3.5-4 years apart and are just as close as my sister and I (they are still teenagers).
Good luck with everything!
Young House Life says
Thanks so much for sharing that Kristen! Clara’s so excited to be a big sister, and I think she’s going to be such a good one. Here’s hoping!
xo
s
Shauna says
So much sisterhood–did any men comment? I love this sharing. Feels like a community of moms here.
I’m impressed by so many comments of excited parents-to-be knowing about their child’s sex before birth. The technology came too late for my 2 boys. I can’t even imagine!
And “morning” sickness. Can you imagine the centuries of women having this problem? If I ever played and won the lotto, I’d donate it all to research for a cure.
Loving the many comments which have mentioned that every pregnancy and every birth is its own story. Not a day goes by when I don’t recall my 2 birth experiences (and it’s been a looooong time). Really hoping that everything goes normally for you this time around.
You’re a courageous woman to be working full steam on house and blog, mothering, and never complaining. I really hope your turn for the better on morning sickness continues. Thanks again for this peek into your beautiful lives!
Young House Life says
Aw thanks so much Shauna!
xo
s
Heather Spell says
Congrats! I also had to use zofran, it’s such an expensive med, that I had to take 1 a day instead of the recommended 3, but since I couldn’t nourish myself at all, even well into the second and third trimester, it was so helpful!
Marissa says
Oh man, I bet you’re tired of morning sickness tips by now! I’m 8 weeks along with #2, so I’ll throw one more tip in the pot just in case it helps… my doctor recommended that I carry a few alcohol swabs in my bag, and when I feel nauseated, to open one up and take a quick whiff. It’s actually the only thing that’s ever worked for me. I know, it’s weird, but I googled it and apparently it’s a common remedy. Who knew?
And here’s my disclaimer for those worried that this could be dangerous advice: it’s obviously not a good idea to sniff large quantities of rubbing alcohol all day long (i.e., don’t sit on the sofa with a bottle of alcohol and smell it for hours). This is simply passing an alcohol swab under your nose for about a second. Three physicians and a midwife have assured me that a few sniffs of rubbing alcohol is completely safe (my dad and sis are also doctors), but of course, with any advice you find on the internet, you check with your own doctor first.
I wish you all the best, Sherry! We’re all so excited for you!
Young House Life says
Someone else said that (a nursing student I think). I’ll have to look into that!
xo
s
Aida says
Try bananas for the morning sickness.When I had nausea (the only bad symptom I’ve had is nasty heartburn), I ate bananas and it would go away. This pregnancy has been good to me (a couple of weeks with high sugar, but all good AND losing weight! lol) and I’m at 31 weeks tomorrow.
If you want to know what you are having, you might get a blood test and they can figure it out. When I went to have my GD test at 27 weeks, a lady with her second pregnancy told me she got the sex with a blood test and she was at 16 weeks. So, good luck!
Young House Life says
Thanks Aida! My doc only gives the gender blood test if you have certain high risk factors or are over 35 so I wasn’t eligible for it, but I love hearing from the ladies who got to find out early! And as for bananas, I tried that a bunch of times, but it just didn’t work out for me. They’re delicious though!
xo
s
Erin says
I would love to see a post dedicated to all of the adjustments you make tackling your house projects as a pregnant lady. Maybe you have done this before, and I brushed it off as irrelivant, but now that I am expecting, I am so paranoid about EVERYTHING, and would be curious to hear your perspective!
Young House Life says
I know what you mean about being paranoid! I’m the same way. We actually shared some info on that in this post over on Young House Love. Hope it helps!
xo
s
Mercy says
I’m really actually a bit jealous! I loved being pregnant and having babies, and now that I’m too old (in my 50s–don’t ask me when that happened!), I’m living through your pregnancy vicariously! I’m sending positive thoughts and vibes and whatever else I can think of that might in any small way help. Love the updates! I really had no problems while pregnant, except going overdates, which meant that all my kids ended up being evicted instead of moving out on their own. Guess they liked it there!
Young House Life says
Thanks so much Mercy, you’re so sweet!
xo
s
Christy Ferguson says
Hi, Sherry! So excited to read about how you’re doing and that the bun is healthy. I’m obsessed with your website and live in a century-old farmhouse that needs everything from tweaks to downright renovations in every space, so I’m loving all of your ideas and especially appreciate the cost breakdowns…very helpful! Anyway, just wanted to pass along a tip to get baby moving for ultrasounds (my third was a tricky little bean for all hers) – they finally had me eat candy and sometimes ice chips. Woke her up every time! As for morning sickness, I had hyperemesis with the last one and it never went away until the day she was born…but I’d do it all over again in a second. Praying for you! You look beautiful, by the way. Just wanted to throw that in there!
Young House Life says
Oh man, that hyperemesis sounds terrible! Thanks a ton for the ice chips and candy tip! I’ve heard cold orange juice so I’m planning to try that, but I’ll be sure to stick some ice cubes in the cup too (and toss some mints in my purse)!
xo
s
Karen Q. says
So happy and excited for you all! Great to hear everything is going fabulously and you’re both doing well! Sending lots of positive thoughts and love to you and the bun! Can’t wait to see how you decorate the nursery!
Young House Life says
Thanks Karen!
xo
s
A says
Mine have the same age gap as yours will (and my eldest is a Clara!) and my younger sister and I are the same. It’s awesome! My Clara was just old enough to be involved and excited about the arrival of a little sib — and old enough to “get” what was happening — as well as old enough to play independently when I was tied up caring for a newborn. It was also great to be able to say, “Hey, Clara, could you grab that bottle for momma?” or “Could you hand me that pacifier?” when I needed an extra hand, and I loved being able to involve her in a special way. Also, my little one (now two) is SUCH a spitfire, and my Clara’s easy-going personality really balances and handles that well.
Yours are gonna be great (and so much fun)! xo
Young House Life says
That’s so sweet, I love hearing that!
xo
s
jess says
i know it sounds stereo typical, but baby dill pickles worked for me!
Young House Life says
I got a little overzealous with pickles about a week ago… it didn’t end well. Weirdly enough I still crave them! Even that episode didn’t put me off of them. Ha!
xo
s
Holly S says
I am sorry you are having a tough time with morning sickness. I had hyperemesis with both of mine the whole 9 months, not as severe after 20 weeks though. I had to be hospitalized for IV fluids b/c it was so bad with my first. When we got pregnant with the second one, people did not understand why I would want to go through that again. I just said it is 9 months of hard for A LOT of good. I did have to go on prescription medicine to control it-a mix of phenergen and zofran. Even then, I still felt nauseated, but I was at least able to eat a little. What seemed to help the most were muffins. It seemed to absorb stomach acid that made me nauseated. Both pregnancies ended in bed rest the last 3-4 weeks due to high blood pressure. It is an exciting, scary time, but so worth it as you know. Wishing you and your family a blessed pregnancy and safe/healthy delivery!
Young House Life says
I don’t think I’ve had very many muffins, so I’ll have to try that! Thanks Holly!
xo
s
Holly B says
How did Burger do when Clara came along? Any advice on bringing a baby into a a home with dogs? We are currently expecting our first child and have two very spoiled fur babies (mini australian and yorkie)that will be 3 and 4 when baby is born. They’ve been our children so far and will continue to be as I’m not willing to give them up. They have done very well around nieces and nephews, but those babies also don’t live with us or need mommy’s attention all the time. I have faith they are smart, caring dogs and will learn as things change, but still naturally there is some worry. Thanks!
Young House Life says
Burger was great! We were really worried, but I think he still felt loved because we tried to really go above and beyond when all the baby changes were happening. For example, John came home with Clara’s hospital blanket for Burger to sniff a few days before we came home. Then when we came home with Clara we bought a big toy and treat for him literally as we came in the door with her (so he associated her arrival with good things for him). We also just tried to give him love and not ignore him so he still felt like he had a place in our house. I think since Clara slept in her crib and Burger still slept with us he felt like he won, haha!
xo
s
Courtney C says
This made me laugh so hard! I don’t care WHAT Ceasar Milan says– a dog knows when he has won and you can see it on their little faces! Our poodle/westie competes CONSTANTLY with my fiancé for my attention/affection and if I pat him last after hugging Gavin, his face says it all. Battle WON.
karen says
you are going to do so well with this pregnancy!! think of the thousands of good thoughts and energy coming your way…lucky gal and bun!
Young House Life says
Thanks so much Karen! I’m so grateful!
xo
s
Lindsey says
I’m having my first and was so sick (I think 11 times in one day was my personal best/worst!) but when I hit 20 weeks I just stopped puking. It was amazing. Hoping you’ll have the same experience! Everyone has tips and advice but for me, it just took time. Hang in there. :)
Young House Life says
Oh man, that’s music to my ears Lindsey!
xo
s
Angie says
I haven’t had too much trouble with morning sickness. But when I do feel queasy, I pop a stick of cinnamon gum or a cinnamon mint. The sugar in peppermints made me even more nauseated, so I switched to cinnamon and never looked back.
Young House Life says
Thanks Angie! I have tried peppermint (BAAD!) and cinnamon (not bad, but didn’t stop the sickness). Delicious though! I wish it worked for me, because I’m such a cinnamon lover!
xo
s
Laura Rogers says
I have had horrible nausea, and although at week 19 I have more good days than bad, it still lingers. My OB told me to take 1 Benedryl with 1/2 of a B6 every 4 hours. It doesn’t completely take it away, but it settles things down enough that I could at least keep things like toast or pretzels, and water down. So happy to hear you are doing well!
Young House Life says
Aw thanks Laura! I haven’t heard that one. So glad it’s helping you!
xo
s
Megan says
I’m so excited for your sweet family!! I get hyperemesis too, and get dehydrated and have all kinds of yucky nausea too. I feel for you. You are one tough mama! I’m pregnant with my 2nd and they’ll be almost 4.5 years apart. Similar reasons: traumatic birth and also terrible c-sec recovery for me, but then we couldn’t get pregnant for a year. Anyway, my point is I’m due right around the same time as you, and I LOVE that you are expecting as well! Reading your birth story totally made me cry, and I just think you are brave and such a great mom. Clara’s quotes crack me up. Quick note on what’s helped my nausea, in case there’s anything new: Zofran, Prilosec, Phenergen, unisom, b6, a transdermal scope (sp?) patch behind my ear, and 3 homeopathics: bryonia, ipecacuanha, and colchicum autumnale. Wishing you a healthy pregnancy and peaceful delivery!!
Young House Life says
Thanks Megan!
xo
s
Megan says
One more: mint mentos. I eat like three rolls a day. It’s helped a ton. Good luck! I hope it eases up soon.
Young House Life says
That sounds good! Will have to try it!
xo
s
Amanda says
I have my sad but cautionary and maybe I’ve had one too many drinks so why should I write this sort of post……but just love every minute of this baby, do everything you possibly can to take in everything. Take a billion pictures, get a Doppler. I was supposed to deliver my second daughter in April of this year, but she was stillborn. The cord had a knot and had wrapped around her neck. I just want every pregnant woman to love every minute that they can possibly have with their baby, because unless you know someone or it’s happened to you……you never think it could happen to you. Which is the saddest thing for me to think of for someone who puts their lives out for anyone to see. I am soooo happy for you, babies are a true blessing.
Young House Life says
Oh Amanda, I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine. Sending you so much love.
xo
s
fmchoff says
After spending the first 22 weeks of my last pregnancy barfing up crystallized ginger and Sierra Mist (can NOT stand either anymore), I discovered Chimes ginger candies this time around, they give me a 20 minute window of no nausea so I can eat something and actually keep it down. Best thing ever- they burn like crazy the first few seconds you chew them, but man do they work!
I just hit 22 weeks with this second pregnancy, I am proud to say I haven’t thrown up in a week :D Came close today, but missed the vomit train- whoo- whooo!
Young House Life says
That’s awesome! I have tried everything ginger (candies, gum, straight ginger, ginger tea). I love the flavor, but my body seems to want to keep barfing! Congrats on 22 weeks and being off the vomit train! High fives, girl.
xo
s
Cari says
You are probably “sick” of people giving you advice on your sickness but I was really sick my first pregnancy so I have been researching on things to try the second go round if I have the same all day sickness. This article sounds promising but you may have tried it already:
http://wellnessmama.com/6065/how-i-avoided-morning-sickness/
Thanks for the updates!
Young House Life says
Thanks Cari!
xo
s
Christine says
I’m so excited for you guys! And I can’t imagine how scary this must be. Hang in there! I also wanted to mention something you’ve probably already been told, but here goes anyways. With my first I had terrible all day sickness my whole pregnancy. It got a little better in the second trimester but definitely never went away. After our daughter was born, I discovered that she and I both have a milk allergy. I’m completely convinced that the reason I was so incredibly sick was because of all the milk I was eating every day. This may not be your problem at all, but if it is…it could be worth a try. If you are remotely intrigued, check out godairyfree.com. It’s a great resource for recipes and how to do the elimination diet. Good luck during the rest of your pregnancy!! I will be praying everything goes smoothly for you and you have a healthy little bun!!
Young House Life says
Thanks Christine!
xo
s
Ashlee says
I’m glad to hear things are going well!! I hope they continue to do so. I had the same issue with Aiden though at the ultrasound. He kept mooning the tech so I had to walk around and do little skips/jumps to turn him around. He also kept hiding his face but showing off his goods…
Young House Life says
That’s hilarious!
xo
s
Ali says
Congratulations! I can tell from your writing how much you love this baby already. Very happy for you guys.
I do have one question, though. I don’t mean this as snark at all, but I’m just puzzled by how you guys can post things like the “State of the Uterus” post a few months ago, basically telling all of us readers that your uterus is none of our business, but now we get pregnancy updates and mention of the pregnancy in nearly every post? Again, not being rude, but you do realize how hypocritical that is for your readers, right? I’ve been a reader since almost the beginning of your blog, but I’ve been feeling like I have whiplash lately. Maybe that’s something you could address in a future post?
Young House Life says
Sure, I’m happy to chat about that with you Ali! I think there’s actually a big distinction between asking for privacy before a pregnancy exists (or has reached a safe-to-share point) and being happy to chat about it once it has been confirmed by docs as being viable and our family has been told. My State of the Uterus post eight months ago was not meant to say “no one is ever allowed to talk about me being pregnant” it was just our way of asking for the courtesy of not trying to guess if I was expecting or “call it” before it had actually happened or, more importantly, before we were sure it was safe news to share with the entire internet (after telling our family of course). So now that it’s public knowledge, we’re happy to answer (most) questions and give people updates on things we feel comfortable chatting about, just like we did when Clara was on her way. I actually don’t see any hypocrisy in that, but I’m sorry if it has been confusing. As you noted, we’re very excited about this and it’s a big part of our lives, so it’s naturally going to become a big part of our blog (since our blog is essentially about the way we live, our house, and our family).
xo,
s
Danielle says
Ali,
I understand where you are coming from with this, but I actually think you are looking at it in the wrong perspective. To put it in more relatable terms than being on the internet, not much is more annoying or frustrating than your relatives and friends asking you every time they see you when you are going to have a baby. Some are even on alcoholic drink watch at parties and try to call it. My cousin tried for 3 years before she was able to conceive, and looking back, I wish that we hadn’t asked her so often when they were going to have a baby as it was a painful subject for her. She never shared that info with us, and I don’t think she needed to. We should have just backed off and respected that they would tell us if and when they were ready. The Petersiks were asking for the same thing.
Once the baby is on the way though and you know things are healthy and safe, not much is more exciting than discussing this new person that will soon be in your life. You want to discuss it and usually the people in your life do as well. Its an exciting time. I don’t see any problem with the way John and Sherry handled this- it was not different than asking an overzealous aunt or grandma to back off a little in the questioning department.
Christy Niebaum says
A girlfriend of mine recently had her second baby. She was sick her entire pregnancy. I think eventually when she got to her third trimester, her doctor gave her a prescription for Zofran, which helped. I think there were some dietary changes her doc recommended as well (more protein packed snacks like almonds). I was only sick for a few weeks in my first trimester and sea bands worked for me, but you’ve probably already tried those. Thinking of you and hoping this sickness passes soon!
Young House Life says
Thanks Christy!
xo
s
Faith says
I know people have already given you a thousand morning sickness remedies, but I thought I would pass along magnesium supplementation. This blog explains: http://wellnessmama.com/6065/how-i-avoided-morning-sickness/ .
Young House Life says
Thanks Faith! I tried the magnesium thing (B6 didn’t work either) but I hear it’s awesome for some people!
xo
s
Sarah W says
I wanted to say your story of your second pregnancy after such a traumatic delivery has given me hope.
My first was similarly horrific ending with an initial Apgar score of 2 and a 3 day visit to NICU. The following 18 months were nothing less than a-typical and she continues to defy ‘baby logic’ to this day (both good and bad).
Still when I see newborn babies I don’t get ‘baby fever’ but get that tinge of chest pain from anxiety. I have noticed it’s slowly subsiding but not enough to make me ready again.
Your post gives me hope.
Thanks for sharing.
Sarah
Young House Life says
Oh Sarah, I can’t even imagine. I’m so glad to help in some small way. All the best with everything!
xo
s
Larissa says
I’m so excited for you guys! With my 2nd pregnancy I was way sicker than my first for way longer. I started just telling myself that I was probably going to be sick the whole pregnancy. So then when it subsided around 30 weeks I was pleasantly surprised. I’m so glad everything is going well for you and the bun otherwise!
Young House Life says
That’s such a nice surprise! Here’s hoping this tapers off sometime!
xo
s
Lauren S. says
Ahhhh! No! I can’t believe you got stuck with waiting ’til after Thanksgiving! I was afraid that was going to happen to me, but I actually missed this post when it originally went up because I was getting my 18 (and some change) week scan. It’s a girl! I’m so excited! I couldn’t imagine waiting (sorry, is that rubbing it in? I hope not :( )
Good luck with the “morning” sickness! I can’t wait to hear what you’re having!
Young House Life says
Wahoo! A girl! That’s so exciting Lauren!
xo
s
georgia says
has anyone ever given you the advice to eat protein like it’s going out of style and avoid foods high in sugar or carbs that turn to sugar? with my son, i was sick all day until 18 weeks. with the daughter i’m carrying now, i am still sick {at almost 33 weeks}. not as much as the beginning, but still… i thought it would life sometime after 18 weeks, too. my nausea was 4x worse on this pregnancy. around 26 weeks, someone suggested that having nuts by my side at all times would help ward of nausea because of the protein. and it totally worked… 100% of the time. if i would feel nausea coming on, i eat nuts. that must be why i would always seem to feel better in the beginning after i would eat any meat. i always thought it might be the iron. but now i’m thinking it was the protein. if i have anything sugary, i get sick almost immediately… which stink during halloween, fall and christmas with all the treats those season/holidays have to offer. but honestly… try it. it was a life-saver for me in this pregnancy… or a sanity-saver at least. wish i had known sooner in this pregnancy and during my first. congrats on having a healthy pregnancy so far. hoping everything remains so up to birth and beyond!
georgia says
oops… supposed to say “thought it would *lift* sometime after 18 weeks”.
Young House Life says
Thanks for the tip Georgia! I have tried the high protein, low sugar/carb thing to no avail. Something about this is like a reflex (doesn’t matter what’s in – or not in – my tummy, things just seem to come back up).
xo
s
Susan says
Aw, you’re doing a really good job. Pregnancy is hard. I hope you start feeling second-trimester-happy soon.
The only thing that helped the nausea for me the second time around was to take a nap. It was like the second I got overtired then I got sick. Super hard with a kid and a job and responsibilities though. Hope you feel better soon!
Young House Life says
Yes! Being horizontal helps me when the whole room is spinning!
xo
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Beth F says
I discovered Digestzen from doterra with my last pregnancy. It’s an essential oil blend that is amazing. I went to a class and was sold on essential oils after I drank a glass of water with two drops of oil and for the first time in 14 weeks felt good. It was a life saver until I discovered gluten was making me so sick. Once I avoided that, I didn’t need anything. Plus I came out 15 pounds lighter than I started when it was over. :)
Too bad I didn’t know gluten was making me sick with the first seven babies….
Young House Life says
Never heard that Beth! Thanks for the tip! I have tried being gluten free for a few months and unfortunately there wasn’t any change… but I was glad baked potatoes were still allowed (my craving! haha!).
xo
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Deanna says
I think we can all agree that whatever sex this baby is, they are are going to have a great smile just like Clara. Aww, it’s so cute how excited she is, and I’m so excited for your little family! Congratulations and a big “Hola” from Madrid!! ¡Enhorabuena!
Young House Life says
Thanks so much Deanna!
xo
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