xo

I'm Lisa Kirk, a wife, mama, writer, and founder. Since 2010, Something Pretty has been home to my favorite memories, reflections, and inspirations. Thanks so much for reading!

First Trimester Favorites 2.0

Motherhood

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 ;)

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  1. emma says:

    I love this list! I definitely wasn’t expecting a “favorites” list to be so deep!
    So, painful story: I made ginger tea during first trimester woes and one day was pouring the boiling water into my mug that I was holding over the sink. It wasn’t until I heard myself screaming that I realized I was pouring the water directly on my hand. Ouch! That was a rough couple of days, but the pain in my hand did distract me from my nausea so I guess you could say that ginger tea works in a very weird way… lol! Anyway, the burn turned into a deep tan that now, 4 years later, is still there, though it has faded a bit.

    • Lisa says:

      Ouch!!! That sounds so painful, but this story also made me laugh :) Glad the ginger tea “worked,” haha!

  2. Alex says:

    Love all of these!! Fresh fruit and the occasional sour fruit juice (like lemonade or limeade) were my saving graces during first trimester when I was SO ill, all. The. Time. and couldn’t stomach the thought of all the foods I used to love (even coffee??!). I’m so glad you’re feeling better as you approach second tri. So excited for you!!

    • Lisa says:

      I definitely had less of a taste for coffee but not enough to give it up altogether ;) Thinking of you as your due date approaches! Soon, right? So exciting!!

  3. Mary says:

    I’m curious about the rock n play alternatives too. I think for now we will just use our 4 Moms protable crib in the living room and cosleeper upstairs. I have had my eye on the Dock a tot and Snuggle Me but don’t want to splurge on any products that can only be used for a few months just yet.

    • Lisa says:

      I am kind of puzzled by the Dockatot/Snuggle Me so let me know if you end up getting one and what you think! So happy baby Philip is here!!! <3

  4. Maureen says:

    So glad that hope is pouring back into you in the second trimester! That is a beautiful prayer and your growing baby is lucky to have you!

  5. Dana says:

    Yay baby peanut! Glad you’re feeling better! I feel like I’m finally shedding some of the weight I put on with your first trimester carb cravings teehee

    • Lisa says:

      That makes one of us, but I guess I’m not supposed to lose weight right now, sooooo… :)

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