Wow, I can’t believe I’ll be meeting my son this week! How am I feeling? I’ve been trying to find the words for these emotions now for the past 2 weeks! I am anxious for the day to get here. Definitely nervous about the whole labor and delivery part. I do have a birth plan in place, and I hope to stick to it. I am also so excited to see his face and to see how Eden reacts to meeting her little brother! All in all, I am feeling so grateful and so blessed to be chosen for this miracle! It has truly been a great pregnancy and I can not thank God enough for that!

I’m going to take a moment to reflect on things that I loved and learned, and also share some maternity pictures. I am currently putting my hospital bag together. Being that’s its my second time around, I’ll be sure to share only the essentials that are needed for this trip to the hospital!

Loved

1. When I’m pregnant I feel like a supernatural goddess of some kind! haha. Being in such a vulnerable state I still feel like I can conquer anything! Such a blessing to be a safe house for my son.
2. Feeling those kicks for the first time NEVER get old! Seriously blissful.
3. The freedom that came from being a second time mom. I worried way less. For example, I was no longer obsessed about labels and what I could and could not eat. I did plenty of research last pregnancy and didn’t limit myself from eating things that I enjoy, such as feta cheese (pasteurized), my eggs slightly runny, and having sushi (cooked).
4. No guilt about taking time off of work. I enjoyed using my PTO to have a staycation early November. I literally took a week off to just RELAX and I loved every minute of it! Overall, just being able to slow down and enjoy the moment was heaven sent. Last pregnancy I was working full time, getting clinical hours, and in grad school. There wasn’t much time to pause and enjoy the journey.
5. I was so active this pregnancy! I was able to work full time up until last week, and still maintain doing some at home workouts.
6. Dressing the bump was so much fun for me! I loved getting creative with my current wardrobe. This is something that I didn’t get to enjoy much of last pregnancy.

Learned

1. Speak up and advocate for yourself. What was so clear to me this time around, was that not everyone will be compassionate and understanding of you being pregnant. It is up to you to draw the line when necessary. It could be at work, or even something as simple as you needing a seat!
2. Every pregnancy is different. Be open to all of the changes. My son really tried to take my hips out! I had a lot of pelvic pain and sciatica. Additionaly, he also wasn’t too forgiving and I got stretch marks on ONE side of my belly. This is also after oiling down twice a day! But THAT IS OKAY.
3. Don’t take it personal. I noticed early on that people get really bold and feel the need to speak whatever comes to their mind while you are pregnant. BUT I just learned to smile and keep it moving. All of those “you’re about to pop” “are you sure you’re not having twins” “you’re not going to make it to your due date” comments honestly didn’t phase me one bit! I know my body, okaayyy!
4. Ask for help. I will be the first to tell you… delegate. You are carrying a whole child! Do not sit there and act like you can do it all. If not, you will wear your self out before the baby even gets here.
5. Put yourself first. You are the only one that knows your body, so listen to it. Be kind to yourself. Eat good to stay energized. Get massages, manicures, pedicures, do whatever is going to make you feel good.

What’s in My Hospital Bag?

Let me tell you, keep it simple. The main objective: comfort.

• A light robe
• pajamas, 2 sets
• nursing tanks and comfortable bottoms
• flips flops for the shower, and slippers to wear around the room
• Postpartum girdle: bellefit or belly band/abdominal binder if you have one
• heavy sanitary pads (hospital does provide this), and witch hazel tucks pads
• nursing pads, nipple cream
• all of your toiletries, light makeup
• phone charger, magazine/book, snacks
• going home outfit

Photographer: Symone Seven

Thanks for reading!