It dawned on me the other day that out of the eight months of this year so far, I’ve spent five in the first trimester of a pregnancy. That realization was humbling and made me realize I haven’t exactly been gentle with myself. I’ve felt guilty for the uptick in Charlie’s screen time when I really couldn’t keep my eyes open a second longer. I’ve been sad about how sparse my blogging has been. I’ve been embarrassed by how little exercise I’ve done this year, especially after reaching a goal as big as a half-marathon at the start of it. Between being in the trenches of first trimester symptoms for over half the year and then mourning one baby, it has really not been an easy year so far.

I think that’s why entering my second trimester this week feels especially hopeful. This is the best part of pregnancy! I’ve already felt a boost in energy and a decrease in my intense food aversions and nausea. Over the last two weeks, I’ve started browsing new baby gear that we want to pick up (please tell me about your favorite Rock and Play alternatives…), we booked a babymoon that I am SO excited about, and of course, we joyfully shared the news with all of you :) It feels like the fun part is finally getting started, and every single day, I am so grateful for this healthy little one.

Here are just a few of the things that I’ve loved or appreciated over the last few months!

The prayer below: I’ve been praying for St. Catherine of Sweden’s intercession for protection from miscarriage every day since I found out I was pregnant. It feels so consoling to have specific words to turn to for my biggest intention throughout these early months especially.

Dear Saint Catherine, you know the temptations of mothers today as well as the dangers that await unborn infants. Intercede for me that I may avoid miscarriage and bring forth a healthy baby who will become a true child of God.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank and praise You for the gift of all human life. I am most especially grateful for the new life within my womb – the unborn child forming deep within me. Through the prayers of Mary, Mother of Jesus, and the intercession of Saint Catherine of Sweden, I beg You to watch over and protect this little one inside my womb.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Trader Joe’s produce wash: I’m not super paranoid about forbidden pregnancy foods, but I have been washing the many fresh fruits I’ve been consuming with this inexpensive produce wash. I figure it can’t hurt!

Lemonade: Very inconveniently, I’ve had an aversion to ginger since early on. I noticed that along with ginger teas and candies, lemonade is listed as a nausea aid on lots of resources I’ve browsed. I don’t know if it has been that helpful, but it has been a welcomingly delicious and summery drink (especially considering I’ve also lost my taste for the La Croix I usually drink daily).

The Studio Tone It Up app: I admittedly took over a month off of any type of workout during the height of my nausea and fatigue, but when I do feel up for it, I’ve been turning to the prenatal workout section of the Studio Tone It Up app. For whatever reason, TIU workouts are always the ones I can stick with best, and I’m really excited to have this whole on-demand section to use throughout pregnancy. They have a postnatal section as well!

A New Day swing tanks: People who say you show earlier with subsequent pregnancies are not kidding! I haven’t bought clothes at Target in years, but grabbed two of these soft swing tanks a few weeks ago for $6 each. I like the way they look with both denim shorts and workout shorts, so I’ve been reaching for them often. I sized up for a looser, longer fit and honestly wouldn’t be surprised if I wear them all through pregnancy, with leggings and cozy cardigans once it gets cold. Speaking of which, I am SO excited to have a winter pregnancy–I think dressing a bump in the fall/winter will be so much easier than in the height of summer!!

Victoria on Amazon Prime: Kind of a funny one to include, but when it was all I could do not to fall asleep at 8 every night, watching a show I was really interested in helped keep me awake! I’ve loved the first two seasons of this one. Plus, girlfriend is pregnant a lot so there was some solidarity there ;)