Moments of Musing

Preparing for Baby #2

Filed Under: baby #2, pregnancy //

This post is sponsored by PatPat. All opinions are my own.

One of the biggest differences between my two pregnancies has been my feelings of anxiety. During my first pregnancy, I had so many fears and concerns. Every little feeling of soreness or pain worried me. I thought about the worst case scenario far too often, especially during the first trimester, when the chance of miscarriage is the greatest.

This pregnancy, I feel a whole lot more laid back. I think being sick for a lot longer kind of pushed my worries aside. I knew my body was reacting to a pregnancy and that was sort of reassuring. I also just feel more confident in my body this time. It was able to carry and grow our first baby, so I have faith it can do the same this time.

The thing about feeling super laid back this time is that I’ve been really laid back about preparation. While the bassinet and crib have been put together since we moved into our house, that’s basically all that we’ve done to prepare for his arrival thus far. 

Recently, my sister-in-law gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and it has gotten me so excited for our bundle to join us in the world. It’s a good thing I’m pregnant already because if not, I’d definitely have baby fever. Heck, I have baby fever now due to the anticipation of meeting our littler guy! We only have three months to go!

One of the first things I have started doing to prepare for his arrival is look for his “coming home” outfit and matching outfits for he and S. There something about baby clothes that just gets me.

Speaking of baby clothes, PatPat is an online store that offers quality products for moms, kids and your home. From matching outfit combos for the whole family to home decor and baby clothes, they have so many different products to choose from. Use the Coupon Code ‘JACKIE12’ to get an extra 12% off for all clothing! (Deal runs until Mar. 26, 2018) 

How cute are these little outfits?
This outfit would be perfect for a night out with your little one — it looks stylish but still comfy.
This romper is trendy with the folded-up sleeves and pant legs but still comfy for your little one to lounge in. It comes in mustard and pink colors. 

This lounger could be great for a day outfit or as pajamas — it also comes in white.

PatPat aims to prove the best doesn’t have to break the bank. With up to 20 events starting at 6 am daily, PatPat offer deep discounts on toys, clothing, baby essentials, and other accessories for mom and baby at up to 90% off their normal price. By working directly with product manufacturers, they offer some of the lowest prices in the industry–no dealers, no wholesalers and no high price tag. 


Now, next up to prepare for Baby #2 is figuring out how to design his side of the room!

Thoughts on my Second Pregnancy + a Bumpdate

Filed Under: pregnancy //


As I’ve alluded to previously, connecting with this pregnancy has been a bit different. It took longer and it still feels unique. When we first saw the positive pregnancy test result, I cried. Tears of happiness, excitement and then “OMG am I betraying my firstborn?!” (#momguilt much?) followed by the constant concern of how I’ll be able to love another baby as much as firstborn. (Most moms I’ve spoken to reassure me that your heart just does it and so I am less nervous about that now.) With my firstborn, they were tears of happiness, excitement and then “oh $h!t, are we really ready for this?!” 

So, I’m well aware and used to the reality that mixed feelings will be involved when expecting a new baby. After all, it’s an adventure and experience unlike any other. 

What I wasn’t prepared for was how phsycically different this pregnancy would feel. I mean, I know moms say it (“every pregnancy is different) but I didn’t realize just how different pregnancies with the same sex baby can be. 

This pregnancy, I felt much sicker. As in I thought I was going to faint a couple times, felt nauseous until 20 weeks, and puked at 23 weeks. I am so much more tired but I cough that up to working full-time, house hunting and moving, and chasing my toddler around.

At the same time, I’ve felt so much more relaxed. I’ve gained less weight. I am not obsessing over the weeks because they seem to be flying by. I am not worried about every. little. thing. I know the baby is anatomically healthy and he moves a lot. His cute little movements, by the way, don’t take me by surprise as much. It’s like they’re a part of my everyday normal and I love it. 

As for the connection, I feel more prepared and less scared and I think it’s what has contributed to the extra time it took to feel like the pregnancy is really real. That, and the fact that in just four short months another beautiful baby boy will be joining our family.

I am now confident my firstborn will not feel betrayed but I do expect him to not love sharing my attention all the time. I am also confident, though, that he will absolutely love his new baby brother, companion and (hopefully) best friend for life. 

Recently, we were in the pediatrician’s waiting area and S tried to play with a girl. She screamed (at the top of her lungs) for him to get away from her toys, scaring S. I soothed him and kept playing with him. He then approached a crawling baby, whose brother came up to them and said “that’s MY baby!” I carried S away, and I told him soon he’ll have his own baby. 

That day and experiences like those are proof that he wants and enjoys other kids’ company. It helps me feel better about our upcoming transition from one to two kiddos. 

———
And now, here’s a mini a bumpdate since I kind of did one a few weeks ago:
Weeks: 24 — 6 months down, just 4 to go!
Sex: Boy!
Name: Still undecided but we wouldn’t announce until birth anyway 😉
Feeling: Much less sick, excited, much more connected and a bit anxious to meet our bundle. 
Wearing: Regular clothes for the most part… if you watched my Instagram stories yesterday, then you know it’s soon time for the hair tie pants trick and/or maternity pants. 

Baby #2 is a …

Filed Under: baby #2, pregnancy, sex reveal //

I decided to save one of the best posts of this year for almost last (being that this is my second-to-last post of 2017). Side note: Where’d the year go??!

Anyway, I’m finally spilling the beans about Baby #2’s sex. As I previously said, my husband and I have known for quite some time now but we wanted to confirm and then life got pretty busy. After sharing my answers to some old wives tales, the guesses as to Baby #2’s sex were overwhelmingly GIRL. Most of our family and friends thought the same.

Well, to all of you who guessed girl …

you are incorrect. 

 Baby #2 is a BOY!

S is getting a baby brother and we couldn’t be happier. I might or might not already be planning matching outfits 😉

Boy mom life, here I come!!!


Boy or Girl? Old Wives Tales Answered

Filed Under: baby #2, pregnancy //


My husband and I have known the sex of Baby #2 since mid-November but we kept it to ourselves for a few weeks because (1) we wanted to confirm it, (2) it was fun keeping it a secret for some time, and (3) we wanted to plan a fun way to reveal it!

I had a strong feeling that S was a boy so I wasn’t really surprised when we found out that he, indeed, was a boy at his reveal. I didn’t have as strong a feeling this pregnancy but have thought it could be a girl at times, and a boy at times. In full disclosure, I have always wanted a daughter but after having S, I really wanted to give him a brother. My husband feels similarly. So, we’d be happy either way! (So cliche, I know.)

I figured it would be fun to let you all guess before we spill the beans. Here are how this pregnancy compares to my pregnancy with S old wives tales/myths-wise:

Sweet or salty cravings?
This pregnancy: Sweet (fruits please!)
Last pregnancy: Salty (pickles + pizzeria chicken rolls lol)

Morning sickness?
This pregnancy: Still experiencing nausea
Last pregnancy: Nausea for 14 weeks

Glow?
This pregnancy: Some people say yes, though I had bad acne in the earlier weeks
Last pregnancy: Yes

Moody or Mellow?
This pregnancy: Moody/ Moodier… according to my trust Hubs haha!
Last pregnancy: Mellow-ish

Carrying high or low?

This pregnancy: High 
Last pregnancy: High


Shape of belly?
R’s pregnancy: Round 
S’s pregnancy: Round 

 
Heart rate?
This pregnancy: Above 140
Last pregnancy: Above 140 sometimes, below sometimes

So what do you think? Girl or Boy? 
Check back for the reveal soon! 

Pregnancy Update: How I’m Feeling + What I’m Wearing

Filed Under: baby #2, pregnancy //

This post is sponsored by Pink Blush. All opinions are my own.

How I’m Feeling: 
I am still nauseous. Some days, like Sunday, it hits me in the middle of the day. Other days, like today, it hits me in as soon as I get out of bed. My saving grace has been seltzer water, which I normally do not enjoy but now love. Aside from the nausea (and sometimes faint feeling), I am getting more and more excited! Connecting with this pregnancy has been very different than my pregnancy with S, though (post coming soon). I’m thinking it has to do with a mix of things — being super busy, moving (post also coming soon), and simply being at a different stage in life.
What I’m Wearing:

I’m already wearing some maternity clothes from Pink Blush. Many of their tops can also be worn as non-maternity, though, which I have also done. I just find the clothes to be fashionable and not frumpy, thankfully. I’m especially a fan of their tops and tunics (above), which can be worn with leggings.  I recently got my first pair of maternity jeans (similar) this pregnancy and love them. My only suggestion would be to size down because after a few hours, they were falling on me.
All in all, I can’t believe I’m almost at the halfway point with this pregnancy. It honestly feels surreal. I’m still so nervous about going from one kiddo to two under two but I know it’ll be just fine and so worth it.