Are we seriously nearly halfway through this pregnancy already?! I guess so because I’m officially 20 weeks today! I know that the second half of pregnancy drags on and on and feels much longer than the first. Partly because by the time you know you’re pregnant, you’re already 5-6 weeks along, but also by the end, you’re just so over it and ready to meet that precious little baby! My last update was at 13 weeks, so it’s time for another one!
Like many pregnant women, I seemed to turn the corner for feeling better once I got to the second trimester. Did that happen for you too? Something shifted and I wasn’t falling asleep in the middle of the day and had so much more energy. Thank God! Before that it was like I took a sleeping pill in the middle of the day because the exhaustion was just on another level!
WEEK 15
Right around Week 15, I started feeling so much better! Although I had been continuing to do light workouts, at Week 15, I started having great workouts where I felt capable and strong again. I also added back in some light cardio, like walking at an incline on the treadmill or jogging slowly for 30 minutes. I’m not pushing myself beyond what’s safe or doing too much and I’ve only been going 2-3 times a week, but I wish it was more. I haven’t been getting any workouts in on the weekend, there’s just so much going on with our son’s soccer games, birthday parties, school stuff, and working on the nursery.
At Week 15, you can start to see the baby belly!
WEEK 16
About this time, my jeans and shorts started getting really uncomfortable and I had to buy some new ones. I pulled my old maternity clothes out of the attic and went through all of them, but there’s hardly anything there and only a few shirts and pajamas that I’d actually want to wear again. When I was pregnant with my first, I worked full-time, so my maternity wardrobe consisted of a lot of slacks and button down shirts that I don’t need now. I can still wear regular tops, as long as they’re not too short.
When I went and tried on maternity jeans, it was like heaven! They are just so much more comfortable than trying to leave the button and/or zipper undone on regular jeans. I can breathe easier again! And the styles are super-cute now! Maybe they were then too and I just didn’t realize.
I need to do a full post soon on the different jeans I’ve been wearing lately, but this pair is one of my faves! They are AG and I found them at Destination Maternity (formerly A Pea in the Pod), but I couldn’t find them on the website (similar style here and here). You’re supposed to buy these maternity jeans in the same size as your regular jeans, which I found to be a true fit. I’m still not ready to wear the belly band way up around my belly, so I usually fold it in half and pull in down some.
I’ve also been living in these maternity tank tops from GAP (several colors, the pink and white are currently on sale) and GAP does have a good selection of maternity jeans too. (I’m wearing a regular tank here).
WEEK 18
If you’ve been following along on the One Room Challenge, you know we started working on the NURSERY at Week 18! I definitely don’t think I would’ve gotten started on this room so soon if it hadn’t been for the ORC invite. James slept in our master bedroom for about the first 4 months of his life, and maybe this baby will too, so it’s not like we need a nursery for him or her just yet. But, I figured I may not have the energy to be designing a nursery with a 6-year old and a newborn baby at the same time. The ORC gave me the push to get started now.
Leith ruched tank dress (other colors too) (size ref: XS) | Stella & Dot Sutton necklace
I have to say continuing to workout and eat well has already made a big difference in my quality of life during this pregnancy. That and the fact that I’m just so freaking happy to be having a baby, I don’t take a second for granted and I’m feeling so good and appreciating what our bodies can do. I was so out of control with my eating during my first pregnancy and I didn’t work out at all, so I don’t think I enjoyed it as much because I was too big for my body. I was so uncomfortable and sluggish that I just didn’t feel good. Don’t get me wrong, I was super happy to be having a baby then too, but I didn’t appreciate the pregnancy part if you know what I mean.
Can you tell I’m enjoying it here?! Ha! I’m just so very thankful that my 40-year old body conceived and is carrying a baby. Praise God!
One thing I’ve been disappointed in is the selection of maternity workout clothes. I can’t find any! Where did you get yours? I have some maternity shorts that I wear to the gym, but they are probably better suited for lounging at home than working out. The material isn’t like my Nike or Zella or Lulu shorts. Boo!!!
peep toe booties | jean jacket (similar)
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Isn’t it funny what a difference a year can make?!
WEEK 19
Which brings me to Week 19. My best friend drove from a few hours away to visit last weekend and celebrate another girlfriend’s birthday. I haven’t seen Karen since we found out I was pregnant and when she walked into my house, the first thing out of her mouth when she saw me was, “You’re huge!” She meant it in the best way and was laughing as she said it, but it’s true, this baby belly is standing out large and proud now. 🙂
I can actually say I’m already enjoying this pregnancy and my changing body so much. I’m trying to stay in the mindset of honoring what the body can do and all the changes that come along with growing a baby. I’ve also started feeling the softest baby kicks or flutters and it makes me feel so much more connected to this little baby inside me. I find myself absent-mindedly rubbing my belly and I tell this babe everyday we love you and can’t wait to meet you.
WEEK 20
We get to find out if we’re having a baby boy or girl soon! We considered waiting, but James wants to know (and we do too!), so hopefully we get a good picture. Then, I’m sure we’ll start thinking about names . . . although you already know James’ first choices! 🙂
Thank you for following along on this awesome journey with us!
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I've been a long time reader but kind of got away from reading (all blogs) but I just have to say you look so fabulous! Pregnancy looks so good on you! You almost make me want to do it again 🙂
Thank you so much Lizzie! I know it's hard to keep up with so many good blogs out there nowadays, so thank you for checking in on mine!
Congratulations! You are looking great! I just wore normal workout clothes for as long as I could and then got maternity workout bottoms I think from old navy or gap…they aren't as good as non maternity but you only end up wearing them for a few months!
I Heard Old Navy has workout clothes, I need to check them out! Until then I'm wearing two pair of shorts over and over !
You are rocking that adorable belly! Can't wait to see what your nursery turns out like!
http://www.californiatocarolina.com / http://www.thegymbunnyblog.com
Thanks so much Morgan! I'll be posting updates of the nursery every Wednesday, the final reveal is November 11!
I know what you mean about the poor selection of maternity workout clothing! Ive been mostly looking for high-waist leggings as they go over the belly … and Old Navy makes a regular workout tank with ruching down the side that is very long and accommodating for a growing belly. You look fabulous, though I feel like your pregnancy is moving along a lot quicker than mine! 🙂
The first half has moved quickly but it feels like it's slowing down now. March can't come soon enough!
The selection of maternity workout clothes is just so bad. I found some pants and capris at Gap online during my last pregnancy, but I haven't checked this time around yet. You're looking amazing Megan!
Thanks Tiffany! I didn't see anything at gap but I'll check back.
You are the cutest! Finding maternity clothes is the hardest! My last pregnancy I found that old navy had some of the same fabrics for both maternity and non-maternity so that was nice. Just keep doing what you are doing with loose, longer tops as long as possible. Then once baby is born you can keep wearing those as you lose weight and start fitting into other styles.
Good point! I am definitely starting to need the longer tops now!
You look great momma! Can't wait to hear if it is a boy or girl, however blessings either way!
Thanks Lauren! Just found out and will be announcing next week! 🙂
You look great! I love that gray dress on you 🙂
http://www.beingbradfords.com
Thanks Jessica.
Is it possible you look even more adorable pregnant?!? Thank you for having a blog with such a great mix of home, style, fitness, and just life. I always enjoy catching up over here. Also, I'm petite too, so seeing your style sense is inspirational to me!
Thanks Aubrey
You are just glowing!!! Pregnancy really suits you, my friend! And so excited to hear about the gender!! xx
Just ordered our holiday cards and was thinking about you and the sweet ones I've seen from your family in the past! So beautiful! Hope y'all are doing well Natasha!
I am so happy for you and you look amazing! And 40?! You don't look 40! I hope I age as well as you. Have you had any dreams about what you are having? My BFF is pregnant too so I've been following along with the app for pregnancy to experience it with her. Maybe one day R and I will have a baby. Until God blesses us, I'll continue spoiling the fur babies.
Lura
x
Hi Lura, we're having a girl!. You are a good friend. Best Wishes
You look so so gorgeous, my sweet friend…and I could not be happier for you and your darling family!!!!! xoxoxo
Big hugs mama!
You look great, and so happy!
Thanks Andrea
is true every prgenant woman as special glowing skin, grey dress is amazing!!!
I like it too
Yes, you are looking stunning in these pregnancy outfits. Thanks for this post. All of your maternity wear dresses are perfect for showing off your bay bum with style.