Pregnancy Update | 13 Weeks

Are y’all recovered from the long weekend? It feels like an extra case of the Mondays around here, but after a cup of coffee I’m sure I’ll be up and at ’em.  There’s still so much to do after being out of town for the weekend and the laundry I meant to do yesterday is still sitting in piles, but at least it’s out of the suitcases!  We spent Labor Day weekend at a rental house near San Antonio with my whole family and it was the first time we’ve gotten to spend such a long time together since my Dad passed in March.  He would have loved to have been there, and was greatly missed, but we all agreed that it was a fabulous weekend and we’re already marking ‘same time next year’ on our calendars.
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This week is the 14 week mark for our pregnancy and I’ve been so touched by your sweet comments and thoughtful words of encouragement as I’ve shared our happy news lately.  I love this blog community so much! After over 5 years of blogging, it really feels like I’m sharing this journey with old friends!  And it’s so cool to hear that some of you are also expecting, so we are on this ride together!  🙂
I won’t do weekly bump updates, but will share every month or so how it’s been going, especially since I really want to do this pregnancy different from my last one!  You might  remember I gained somewhere around 55 pounds with James and felt pretty miserable and unhealthy.  Not to mention it took a long time to lose the weight and feel like myself again.  I always knew if I was blessed to become pregnant again, I would be mindful to eat healthy and continue to workout.  My priority is a healthy pregnancy for the baby and me and, after a bumpy start, I’m already doing way better than I was the first time!  

Baby Mama tee | Pregnancy Update 13 Week | Honey We're Home
baby mama tee (size Small) | jeans 

5-9 WEEKS

If we back up to when I realized something was amiss, about one week out from my bikini contest, I was noticing that my lower tummy wasn’t coming in as tight as it did the year before and it felt like I couldn’t get the scale to budge lower than 105 pounds.  In 2014, I competed at 100 pounds (I’m 5’0).  I had missed my cycle but a the few pregnancy tests I took said negative, so I was really worried that I had messed up my body by getting my body fat too low (although I was also confused because my body fat really wasn’t too low, sticking right around 18-19%).

Finally, the Wednesday before I competed, I took one more test ‘just because’ and was so floored to get that positive sign.  I was home alone in my kitchen reading the result and immediately started bawling.  Big hot happy, joyful, blessed tears!  But I still couldn’t believe it!  I think my first call was actually to my mom and we cried together on the phone.  Then, because this particular test was one I had never used before, I started doubting whether it was accurate and so I called another chemist/scientist friend and texted her the result image.  She assured me I was pregnant and when I told her I was going to the store to get more tests, she was like, “you are definitely pregnant, because that’s something only a pregnant woman would do.  The chemistry of these tests don’t lie.”  But, I still bought two more test different brands and when they all came out positive, I felt confident I was actually pregnant.  My husband was pretty excited to hear the news too.

Suddenly, competing in the bikini contest felt so insignificant but since it was only a few days away, I went ahead and finished, although I didn’t take any diuretic and made sure the spray tan was safe to apply.  The day of the contest, my lower belly was pooching out so bad, I wanted to shout, “I’m pregnant” but of course I didn’t.  Turns out, I was 5 weeks along when I competed.  

The next week, at the Haven blog conference was the first time I started feeling really bad.  Every morning I felt like I was going to be sick and actually considered going home early.  My two roomies, Cassie and Jen, were my saviors, bringing me a light breakfast and Ginger Ale each morning and encouraged me to stay, reminding me I could always come back to the room if I needed to and they were still having a great time despite my low energy and how lousy I felt.  Later, I found diet Ginger Ale at my grocery store and it actually does help settle an upset stomach.  It tastes fine too.

Back home, from weeks 6 to about 10, I was so beyond exhausted that I could barely keep my eyes open.  You moms can probably relate to that I’m sure.  It’s tiredness on another level and I kept wondering, “What did I do when I worked full-time and couldn’t nap during the day?”  I know like other working moms I just muscled through it and went straight to bed when I got home.  This time, I was able to sleep on the couch some during the day while James played in the living room.  

Peaceful bedroom
I’d gained 5 pounds by this point, up to 110, even though I was still working out with my trainer 2-3 times a week.  I’m not surprised though because I was so hungry and eating everything! And not healthy food either.  We’re talking McDonald’s Big Mac and Mexican food.  I can only liken it to feeling halfway nauseous, but more like a hungover feeling where you just crave greasy food.  Even though I knew this was definitely NOT how I wanted to be eating, I felt like I couldn’t help it.  But, after a few weeks of eating like this, I was feeling really sluggish and knew that was not at all healthy, so I had to change or I’d be on the same track I was on with my first.
Also, by 9 weeks, my skin started breaking out.  I went to my dermatologist and he recommended two topical locations (Finacea and Acanya), and they help some, but mostly make my skin extra dry.  Did y’all have trouble with breakouts?  Any solutions you can share?  With James, my back also broke out terribly, but so far, it’s mainly just my forehead and slightly on my cheeks. 
10 WEEKS

James went back to school when I was 10 weeks along and I was only glad because I had been so , so very tired that I was napping on the couch in the afternoon and he was just sitting by me playing video games.  He was fine with that, but I felt bad that I wasn’t up for doing more.  I was just starting to feel like I could make it through the day awake and just go to bed early when it was time to go back to school.  

Getting to go for the first ultrasound was so thrilling!  When I heard the baby’s heartbeat and saw it on the monitor, I swelled up with emotion.  The nurse printed out the picture and I instinctively kissed it!  The baby’s heartbeat is healthy and strong and our due date is March 7! It’s so overwhelming and suddenly so very real when you see and hear your baby for the first time.  I wanted to tell James right away, but we waited just a bit longer.  And when he found out, he was so sweet kissing my belly and full of questions.  He is so excited to become a big brother.  

Pregnancy Update 13 Week | Honey We're Home

12-13 WEEKS
Like magic, right around the 12 week mark, I started to feel much, much better and had more energy.  Don’t get me wrong, by 9:00 p.m., I’m definitely ready for bed, but during the day I can actually function all day.  I’m started adding in cardio (30-45 minutes) and have had some great workouts with my trainer.  I plan to keep going 3 days a week, although we take it easy now and I make sure to listen to my body with how I’m feeling.  My doctor gave me the go-ahead to continue, so I feel good about it.  I didn’t workout at all while pregnant with James and I regretted it.
Pregnancy Update 13 Weeks | Honey We're Home
These bathing suit pics were snapped this Labor Day weekend at 13 weeks.  I’m at 112 pounds now and feel really good!   
Pregnancy Update 13 Weeks | Honey We're Home
Pregnancy Update 13 Weeks | Honey We're Home
Free People Tunic
I knew this Free People tunic would come in handy as a bathing suit cover up! I also wear it with jeans and it’s great as a loose-fitting dress. 
Also, I’m back to eating healthy and don’t really crave sweets that much.  The wildest thing is I’m not really interested in coffee anymore.  I was a coffee-aholic before, going to bed thinking about my hot coffee in the morning.  Now, I don’t even want it.  But, with the doctor’s okay, I do have one cup after lunch, just for a boost of energy, or maybe just an iced tea.  
I’ve been eating my protein pancake for breakfast (with peanut butter and a cup of 1% milk), a grilled chicken salad for lunch, a yogurt with granola and fruit for a snack, and lean meat, veggies and potatoes for dinner.  This is just generally, but a good idea of what a typical day looks like for me.     
I’ve also been thinking lately about how my heart is so full of love for my son that it feels like how could there possibly be room for more?  I don’t know if any of you experienced that while pregnant with your second, but I’m sure it’s normal emotions and I just thank God that He gives us the capacity of love beyond what we think we are capable of.  
Pregnancy Update 13 Weeks | Honey We're Home
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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

104 Comments

  1. When I was pregnant with my son I went from being a coffee lover to HATING it! I couldn't even force myself to drink a cup. As soon as he was born the craving came back and I'm back to my old habits. So funny! And congrats – I'm so looking forward to reading along!

    1. That is so weird! I gave up coffee completely with my first, expect for at the very end when I was so big and tired and felt like I really needed it!

  2. Megan,
    Congratulations on your pregnancy, you look great and James face says it all about how excited he is to be a Big Brother!
    I wanted to let you know I had a little bit of hormonal acne when I was pregnant with our second daughter. I used the Unblemished line from Rodan + Fields and it clear it right up. They even have a line for dry/sensitive skin, it's called soothe that you might like.
    I like unblemished so much that I became a consultant for Rodan + Fields.
    If your curious about it, I'd love to give you more information. Please email me at larboswelll@gmail.com

    1. Hi Lauren! Thanks so much for telling me about that- I actually just got an email from another rep so we are already corresponding on it. Breakouts are the worst!

  3. Congratulations. I had toddlers dancing around me for my 2nd and 3rd pregnancies, so I can totally relate to the can't-get-off-the-couch feeling. My husband said he knew something was up when we took a road trip and I saw an ad for fast food and said, "Mmmmmm french fries. Pull over."

    1. My son got hooked on video games – which I'm not crazy about, but it was handy for awhile. 😉 And the fast food cravings are a dead giveaway! Ha!

  4. Beautiful post Megan!! I was also wondering about the love I will have for my 2nd child. Could it be possible to love her as much as I loved my first-born? Yes!!! Love is not a definite cake with smaller slices as more people take a piece. No, the cake grows and the slices get bigger for everyone. Enjoy your pregnancy! Muriel

  5. Congrats! I'm 29 weeks with a surprise baby #3. I've gained 21lbs so far. That's more than I gained the whole pregnancy with the other two but I started out smaller this time. I'm hoping to keep my weight gain around 30lbs total. However, that Klondike Bar at 9pm last night did not work in my favor!

  6. Hi there! I've been following your blog for a while now but haven't left many comments. Congratulations on your pregnancy! I have a 9 year old girl and a 3 year old boy and I remember feeling the same way! I loved my girl soon much,I didn't know how I could possibly love another little one as much! It's true though, your heart has endless love for your babies..it's incredible! I have a feeling you are having a girl.. hopefully you will let us all know when or if you are going to find out. The best thing with having one of each is that when they ask you who you love more you say "I love you more than any other little boy" and then the same for the girl. haha, it works when my daughter asks! Best of luck! and I'm looking forward to your updates (and other posts!lol)

    1. So good to hear from you Jen! Your kids are the same age difference that mine with be! Funny about the girl hunch, that's what my mom said! If/when I find out, I'll definitely let you know! I don't think I can wait my whole pregnancy to find out. 😉

  7. Your little bump is cute! I didn't show at all with either of my kids until the last trimester, but when it hit, wow! I went from nothing to huge, haha. I don't remember being tired until the end but I was in my late 20's early 30's, now being 40 I can only imagine how tired you were! Kudos on being healthy I was with both my kids especially my first child and I do think the exercise made everything so much easier. Breaking out – my face actually cleared up so not sure how to combat the pregnancy breakouts. You look great though so you should have no worries

  8. That 1st trimester can be rough. I remember feeling so tired the 2nd time around, and found out it was due to low progesterone levels. And yes, you will find the room in your heart for the 2nd one…just like the room you had for James came after the love you had for Jimmy.

  9. Megan I'm so happy for you! I'm almost 12 weeks right now and have been feeling the exact same way as you. Just this last week I'm starting to have a bit more energy and I'm finally wanting some healthier food. 🙂
    James is going to be an amazing big brother. I bet he's just so excited.

    1. Oh my gosh Tiffany, we are only a few weeks apart! I'm 14 now, so you are right behind me! Best wishes for a happy, healthy pregnancy for you!

  10. Congrats! This is so fun 🙂 I'm actually due March 13th with our first so I'll be hitting pregnancy milestones right when you do! You look beautiful…congrats again on your new little one! 🙂

    Lauren @ Sobremesa Stories

  11. You're due on my birthday! I can totally relate to craving the crap in the early weeks – that's the worst. You just feel so rotten, than you let your mind determine what your body can tolerate. As for loving your second, you will be amazed at how your heart grows with each additional child. I know it seems impossible, but it's true. Did you ever anticipate how you would feel after having your first? I don't think any mother can anticipate that sort of all-encompassing love. Hope everything continues to go smoothly!

    1. So cool about the birthday! You are right on though, I could never have imagined how much I would love James and the love is just so overwhelming and constant, never fading. I'll be happy to report the same for #2!

  12. Long time reader, (probably!) first time commenter – lovely pics, I do love a good pregnancy update! Congratulations! And well done for trying to be healthier this time, an example I'm sure we could all do with learning from 😉

    And as a mummy of two gorgeous boys here in the UK…. take it from me that when that little one is here, you won't be able to imagine what your life was like when he or she was not… they just slot right in and it's lovely! Congratulations 😀

    Bells
    http://www.bellslittleones.com

    1. Thanks for saying hi Ella- especially all the way from the UK! This time is amazing and surreal all at the same time! I'll keep you posted! 🙂

  13. Im so glad you are feeling better. The 1st trimester is hard! It is amazing how God gives up the abilities to love so much. We just had our 7th and I'm still blown away at how much love I have for all of our children.

  14. Hi Megan! Long time blog reader here 🙂 First off congratulations….so happy for you! Im really enjoying reading about your pregnancy and the updates so please keep them coming 🙂 Question….were you actively trying to get pregant? if so how long were you trying for? I am trying for baby 3 but was told by my doctor to lower the intensity of my workouts. Hoping it works out!

    1. Thank you so much! I was working out vigorously 5 days a week, but I would definitely listen to your trusted doctor as far as his or her advice as to what is best for your body. Have a great weekend!!

  15. I have three kids, and I remember that feeling of how can you love anyone else as much as your first, but trust me, you will! I also remember being so full of love for each of them that I had this unrealistic fear that something would happen to take them away from me because I just loved them so much and felt so lucky that God gave them to me that something just had to go wrong. I used to obsess about that fear when my firstborn was little. Thankfully, she is now 19 and nothing bad has ever happened so far! Good luck, and congratulations!

  16. Megan! Congrats – I am so happy for you! I wanted to ask if you have continued your Bible Journaling? I bought my bible after seeing yours and have really enjoyed using it over the last couple months. I'm hoping you will do a post soon about yours if you have done any recently! Thank girl and congrats again!
    ~Heather

    1. Hi Heather! Great question! I got started with it, but haven't done any lately. Now that I have more energy, I need to pick it back up. I'm glad to hear enjoy it- it's so fun!

  17. There's a 10 year gap between my 2nd and 3rd child and I too wondered how I could adjust to loving another child after it had been the four of us for so long. How silly! I can't imagine my little girl not being a part of our family-she brings us so much joy and laughter and her big brothers love her so much 🙂 P.S. March 7th is my daughter's birthday too. She shares it with her oldest cousin and I've nicknamed them "the bookends". Wish you nothing but the best during your pregnancy. Not sure what to tell you about the acne, since I was over 40 & pregnant with my daughter, I decided to embrace the "youthful" appearance of skin like a teenager!

    1. Oh I love to hear that. And so crazy about our March 7 similarity! James was a little early so we'll see. I'll trade my "youthful" skin for clear any day!!

  18. I love this update!!!! You look fantastic. I have two boys (4 yrs and 14 months). I am constantly blown away at how I can love both my boys equally yet differently. I can't wait to follow in this journey with you!

  19. Aww.. loved reading this post!! You look fabulous! I also had trouble with breakouts when I was pregnant with my 4th. My facial girl turned me onto Images skin care line. I used the blue clear cell one for acne. You can get it on amazon! I would just double check with your ob/gyn but it was fine for me and baby. Also, I know getting microderm helped before more breakouts started. Hope this helps! And also, your love will just grow and then you will wonder how you ever lived life before your new little one had arrived:) Such exciting times ahead!!!!

    1. I'll have to look into that. My skin is so weird right now, not breakout, but tons of bumps around my forehead especially. I still feel so surreal about this pregnancy!

  20. This is such a well-written post, Megan! I savored every single word and I am so moved and happy for you! You look amazing! I hope to become a mother one day soon, and what you shared is so inspiring that it makes pregnancy looks a little less intimidating. Love your pregnancy story! Big hugs xxx

  21. Your pregnancy post was sweet. From the other comments, it looks like several of us wondered the same thing on whether we could love another child as much as the first one. Once you hold him/her, you will know it's possible. As for your baby bump, I've found that those of us petite girls don't have a lot of extra space for the baby to hide. You look fantastic.

  22. What an exciting time for your sweet family, Megan! I remember feeling the exact same way when pregnant with my second. How could I love another as much as my sweet girl? Would she feel shorted on my time/love/attention? But as everyone else has said, it's amazing how your heart instantly grows. You aren't splitting your love between them, the love just multiplies. And I was so overwhelmed by what a gift their sibling love was to them and us. We just welcomed #4 earlier this year and it holds true for them all 🙂 So glad to hear you have some energy back! Enjoy those naps when you need them and you are already off to a great start to a healthy pregnancy! You look wonderful….and CONGRATS!

    1. Aw, #4! I have a close friend with 4 and she also assures me of the growing love. I will have alone time with the baby while James is in school, but I still want time with him too. I'm sure we'll just figure it out as we go. Thanks so much for your kind words! 🙂

  23. Congrats Megan! I'm also 14 weeks and pregnant with our second. Due March 4th! This one was a big oops. My first being only 9 months old. I'm nervous, scared and excited all at the same time! I know God knows what he's doing though, and it will all work out: ) Best wishes to you and your growing family! I look forward to reading your updates: )

  24. Oooooh, I love love love this post so much! You look amazing…so happy and glowing! And now I want queso!!!

  25. I love going to Sephora and having someone help me find exactly what I'm looking for. I recently began using Nude (the brand) Rescue oil. It has totally helped even out my skin tone!!! It is also supposed to help with acne, but I'm on accutane so I can't vouch for that! It's a little on the pricey side, but you can ask for a sample!!! Highly recommend it!!!!

  26. Love reading about how you're doing and feeling! So exciting and you look awesome! Can't wait to hear how the rest goes and of course, find out what you're having!! xx

  27. Congratulations Megan! I found my second pregnancy easier ( after I got through morning sickness which was worse 2nd time!) and exercised regularly throughout which I wasn't as good with first time round. I think it really helped my energy levels and I had a MUCH easier delivery.
    I look forward to reading your progress, I have found all your fitness and diet info so helpful and inspiring! Best wishes to you and your beautiful family 🙂

    1. I didn't exercise at all my first pregnancy and I'm so glad I'm doing it now. Thanks for letting me know it helped you, inspires me to stick with it!

    1. I can't wait to see how I style this bump either! I pulled out my old pregnancy clothes and they are (for the most part) horrible! I'm gonna need some new stuff!

  28. Soooo excited for you! And you look great! my goal is the same next time around. I gained way too much with my first and I'm still working on getting the weight off, he is about to turn two 🙁 but I'll get there!! Oh and about the breakouts, I had them too and then continued to have them after pregnancy, but I started going to a wellness doctor (all about the bio identical supplements and stuff like that) and she has her own line of skin care products. Go here to learn more: http://woodlandswellness.com/dr-davis-must-have-skin-care-natural-botanical-line
    She is located in The Woodlands. The one I use smells like pumpkin and within just a couple weeks my face has been clearing up better than ever. Since it's all natural it should be safe for pregnancy but I would double check. Oh and frankinsence and tea tree essential oils help too.

    1. It is hard to lose the baby weight. I really struggled with it too. One day at a time and you can do it! Thanks for sharing that wellness doctor!

  29. Megan, Congrats to you! I was so excited to be a long time reader and learn about your pregnancy. It's going to be even more fun for me to read your posts now because I'm due with my second child on March 7th, too!!! 🙂 I've also been thinking about how I can possibly love another baby as much as I love my son; at times I feel guilty that time together is winding down. But, everyone has reassured me that a Mama's heart is built to grow, so I'm going with that thought. Good thoughts and best wishes to you during your pregnancy!

    1. Oh my gosh, you, me, and Hanna are right on the same timeline! Hope you are feeling well! It's an exciting time! But sometimes I still can't believe it's real!

  30. Such a sweet post Megan, it made me teary thinking back to being pregnant with my second and having that same feeling of how could I possibly love anyone as much as my son! But of course when my daughter came along, the love just expanded and it's an amazing feeling to add to your family. Looking forward to reading along with your journey!

  31. Congrats! I have 2 colleagues (well one and the wife of another) with due dates of 5th and 6th march! there must have been something in the water in early june!

  32. Congratulations Megan and thank you for sharing. I am so happy for you. Don't worry, there will be plenty of room in your heart for this baby. You won't have to share your love because a Mum's heart grows bigger with every child! "L'amour d'une mère: […] Chacun en a sa part et tous l'ont tout entier"! (I think it is a quotation from Victor Hugo)

  33. Congratulations! I too worried having my babies 4 years apart about loving them the same. Once that new baby gets here, you will be amazed at your over abundance of love!

  34. Right behind you with number 2. I'm almost 10 weeks! I don't look half as good as you though and there is lots to lose when the baby is born! You look great!

    1. Rachi congratulations!! I've really been trying to watch what I eat (now). I was eating pretty bad until about 10 weeks. I hope you feel good and I'm sending you well wishes for a happy, healthy pregnancy!

  35. Congratulations! I'm also due March 7th (with my first)!! 😀 And your experience sounds exactly like mine, except I was somehow lucky enough to miss out on the morning sickness. But the exhaustion is UNREAL! I lived close to work during my first 8wks (moving when you're 9wks preggo is NOT fun), so I would go home every day for lunch and take a nap, then be ready for another nap when I got home at 5pm, and I was still dead tired when I went to bed at 9pm. Thankfully I also have more energy now, but I'm still in bed by 9pm. I hope you'll continue to keep us updated every so often. It's great to have someone else going through the same thing right now. 🙂 Wishing you the best!

    1. Heather, that makes 4 of us now according to the comments! Group hug!! You know the kind of exhaustion I'm talking about- you described it perfectly!

  36. Congratulations, love the picture of you by the pool. you are glowing.

    I am currently 30 weeks pregnant with my second boy and I am totally freaking out about the whole "will I love this little guy as much as I love my first?"
    I think that everyone thinks that.
    I was worried when I was pregnant with my now 2 year old, I loved him already in my womb but I wondered if I would love him as much as everyone said I would.
    I have been completely obsessed with him from the moment I heard him take his first breath. the obsession is still there and I feel it always will be. I love my little human beyond words.
    so I am hoping that the same thing happens this time.

    This time, I will welcome my little boy in November which is in Summer here in South Africa and my first born was born in July (which is winter here) so its very different as our summers are really hot here in Johannesburg. And because my pregnancy has been so different, I feel like I'm a first time Mama all over again.

    With my first pregnancy I gained 35kgs (77 pounds according to google) and this time I have gained 10kgs (22 pounds) so far. I hadn't lost all 77 pounds before falling pregnant again, but I will get there eventually.

    Can't wait to see all your pregnancy updates. Once again, congratulations and you look amazing.

  37. Congratulations Megan!!! This is so exciting to hear! God bless you! XOXOXO

  38. I am not a rep and would say I lean to the skeptic side, but…! I recently bought tea tree oil to try for another issue. In researching, I read it can be used on acne, too. May be worth a look as it's natural.

  39. Congratulations to you and your family! You will for sure have overflowing love for both! It just happens. I will pray for you and the baby. Are you going to find out what you're having? ������ did you find out with James?

  40. Congratulations!! That's so exciting!

    I just found out on Wednesday that we are expecting our first baby 🙂 I'm shocked and thrilled all at the same time.

    I'm about the same size as you…5'2 and 100 lbs. I have no idea where to start with maternity clothes. Will you be buying any? Or just going up a size in regular clothing?

    Thanks!!

  41. Congrats! I'm also pregnant, but with my third. I'm 9 weeks and 4 days. It's crazy how fast I've shown this time around. I've been wearing maternity jeans since week 7 because regular jeans just wasn't comfortable.

  42. I totally went through a no coffee stage from like 8 weeks til about 16 weeks but I love it again now (23 weeks). And yes to the breaking out! It's been crazy for me because I never ever got zits before now! I don't even know how to cover them up! lol Glad you are out of the sick stage and working out. I've been going to the gym about 3 times a week and haven't gained that much weight so I'm loving the results 😉 Keep it up mama!

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