22 Weeks and Too Many Weddings

I’m at that super frustrating stage in pregnancy where my bump isn’t quite big enough for people off the street to realize that I’m pregnant. But NONE of my clothes fit! I went shopping for the first time since gaining a little baby weight and basically had a melt down in the dressing room. I had to call my mom and let her talk me down. She told me to quit being an idiot and go to the maternity section of the store. I was freaking out about having to size up SEVERAL sizes in regular clothes and she reminded me that my body just isn’t shaped the same anymore. It doesn’t mean that I’m getting too big, just that all of my weight has shifted to new and unexpected places.

So shopping in non-maternity is pretty much over for now unless it’s super oversized. This is really hard considering I’ve got several weddings this month and the only things that fit me are sweatpants. So from this point forward, I’ve pretty much decided to only shop at places like Pink Blush where they’re making clothes that are supposed to fit my ever changing shape. Say hello to my new favorite wedding guest dress. Comfy, pretty, and super flattering.

Also, keep reading for a little 22 week bump update.

Shop The Look:

Blue Maternity Dress  |  White Sweater  |  Chanel Bag (similar dupe)

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Pumps (Similar Dupe)  |  Kendra Scott Earrings (ON MAJOR SALE)

How Far Along: 22 Weeks

Size of Baby: About 1 lb and 12 inches long

Weight Gain: 8 lbs

Symptoms: Lots of acid reflux this week and my appetite as been CRAZY the last few weeks. On one day, I ate lunch twice because I had honestly forgotten that I had already eaten and was totally hungry again.

Cravings: Gummies like gushers, fruit roll ups, and Welches fruit snacks. Oh… and I can’t get enough Sunny Delight.

Movements: Girlfriend keeps kicking my bladder. I told her she’s punished as soon as she gets out here. Keith still can’t feel it but it feels like tiny little zaps to me and the occasional tummy flutter when her body shifts positions.

What’s Dad Thinking: While I can’t be 100% sure, I’m thinking Keith is really enjoying watching me get fat. He loves enabling me to indulge in my cravings. But, he’s also super concerned about gaining sympathy weight so he’s been hitting the gym A LOT! Now that my belly is noticeably bigger, he’s started touching it all the time, which I find super weird and oddly comforting. He’s anxiously awaiting being able to feel her kick and addresses her by name as if she’s sitting on the sofa with me and the dogs waiting for him to get home from work! He’s also been talking with the dogs really seriously about their new responsibilities… Lol! It’s been so fun watching him become a daddy!

What’s Mom Thinking: I’m firm believer that giving birth doesn’t make you a mom, loving a child more than you love yourself is what makes you a mom. I already love this little girl more than life so let’s just skip this whole bloated, fat, pain of childbirth thing! Since I know that’s not an option, I am trying to enjoy every little moment, craving,  and kick. But I’m not going to lie, right about now, I’m not super excited about the possibility of doing this all over again in the future! Hopefully my attitude will change as much as my body is changing!

I’m still actively researching adoption and have just about made up my mind that baring any accidental pregnancy, I’d like to adopt our next child. For every one I have biologically, I’d like to adopt one. It’s wishful thinking, but I just can’t stand the idea that there are children who need homes out there and Keith and I have a home and lots of love to give. I’m so passionate about it, that it hurts sometimes!!! I wasn’t sure what being pregnant would do to my future plans to adopt but it’s only made the fire burn stronger.

Recent Highs: Getting a pregnancy pillow. I love it! I’m a back sleeper and so transitioning to sleeping on my side has been really difficult. The pillow totally helps and I’m able to sleep kind of on my side and kind on my back with plenty of support. Sully is wary of the pillow because he’s used to snuggling up close to me. Sometimes I let him get in the pillow with me… He loves being squished!

Recent Lows:  Gaining weight has been super hard on me. I’ve only gained 8 lbs total which is on the lower end of normal, but I’m still struggling with my body image. Keith and I have already started mapping out my post-baby plan to get my weight back down. I’m trying to ward off my known ‘stresser’ before it even hits. Proactivity, people. My clothes not fitting has been exciting (because that means baby girl is growing) but also alarming for a girl who’s used to putting new outfits together regularly. My selection of wearable clothes gets smaller and smaller everyday and shopping hasn’t been fun at all! BOO!

Future Birth Plans: Everyone keeps asking what my plans are for childbirth. Here’s the jist. Whatever is best for baby girl! I’d like to learn more about laboring at home and avoiding Pitocin at all costs. But I also don’t want to have a set ‘birth plan’ because I know enough about my body to know that it has a mind of it’s own. Plus I don’t want to set myself up for disappointment.

 

So that’s what’s new with me!!! Any advice or tips for this 2nd trimester newbie? Comment Below!

Also don’t forget to check out my recent ‘reading list‘ post to see what all my favorite books are.