Baby Brain

Walgreen's Pill Organizer
Best $1.99 investment ... EVER!

Baby Brain

For a while, when first pregnant I was leaving the house forgetting to brush my teeth.  Maybe because I was so tired, or not feeling well... whatever the case that stage passed after I had to buy a travel tooth brush a couple times.  I am now in a good routine - and brushing my teeth doesn't seem so hard to remember anymore.  

Recently, for about two weeks straight I usually take my prenatal vitamin after dinner... but then I would question  - Did, I really take it? I could not remember!  I'd even make a grand gesture and announce to the world (read husband) "Look,  am taking my prenatal so when I ask in an hour... you can tell me I took it".  

It was was mess - just could not remember anything after I got home from work.  I even tried counting the vitamins left in the bottle, but since I could not remember the day I opened the bottle - it wasn't much of a help. I was having trouble remembering everything.  Then I thought about all the pill organization boxes I see on my Grandma's counter - and thought... "If it can work for her it can work for me".  

I don't know why I didn't get one of these sooner.  I has made such a difference for me.  I can stick in my purse, rather then carry the bottle around.  In the past if we were out for the night... I wouldn't take it until I got home.  Now, it's easy to travel with and gives me piece of mind.  So Helpful!

Sleep deprived during Pregnancy - Prenatal Pillows

 Lack of Sleep

I can't imagine that I am not sleep deprived.  Each night I can manage to fall asleep, get somewhere comfortable with all my pillows - then the dreaded clock reads 2:45 and I toss and turn all night maybe getting another hour of sleep in segments.  I have woken up at 2:45ish for about the past two weeks.  Some nights when first waking up -  I feel a little rested, then I read the clock and the reality that it's the middle of the night sets in.  I am keeping my poor Husband up too!  I think anyone would be annoyed with all the tossing and turning and the mountains of pillows that have invaded the bed.  I will say though, this exhaustion is so different then that of the 1st Trimester.  During the 1st Trimester - I would sleep some night for 11 hours or more, and be able to fall asleep anywhere.  Now, that is not the case at all.  Don't get me wrong, I'm tired.... but sleep just ain't happenin' for me.   


I get up at around 2:45ish every night but it's not to pee - I'm just up.  Then the rest of the night my hips will hurt- I can't stay on one side very long.  With all the tossing and turning I then feel the need to pee every so often, hoping that I will then be able to fall asleep. 

I read in my "what to expect app" that taking a bath may help, and ever since I became so tired, I have been slacking about working out - which I have GOT to change... which can help with getting to sleep.  

Pillows 

About a month ago,  I began sleeping with the Boppy® Total Body Pillow.  I can fall asleep using this - but once I am up in the middle of the night - I just get frustrated with trying to re-position myself in the dark and trying not to wake my husband.  It's quite large and you'd think it takes up a lot of the bed - but it's not so bad when you are using it.    The size was my main concern when I first purchased the product.  There is a learning curve as the pillow can be used very many ways - trail and error as you decide what works for you.  If you was interested in the Boppy pillow check it out there boppy-total-body-pillow.

A very gracious friend sent me yesterday this SidePillow by Tempur-Pedic®.  I just tried it for the first time last night.  It is intended for side sleeping - which is how you should be resting when pregnant.  If you'd like more information check it out here: brookstone/tempurpedic-neck-pillows-side-pillow

Clarisonic Mia 2 Review

PAMPER YOURSELF!

I love the Clairsonic Mia 2!  

Honestly my face has never felt so good or so clean!  When I was actively dealing with PCOS, my face was the first sign of stress and hormonal unbalance.  Prior to getting pregnant I had used many prescription products for adult acne - all which worked to some extent.   

Check out some of my old posts of just how bad my acne could get :My acne from a year ago

Knock on wood, but ever since pregnancy I have had the occasional breakout, but nothing like it used to be.  

I received this as a Holiday gift, I have been using since the end of December 2012... I can't imagine not having this! I have always had sensitive/combo skin.  The Mia 2 comes with a sensitive brush head -I find it's perfect for me.   I only use it once a day, every other day. Since it's winter in Chicago my face seems a bit dryer then normal - so that routine may change when Spring/Summer arrive.

If I have put makeup on that day, I will first use Neutrogena Makeup Remover clothes.  I read that some makeup products could stain the brush head- but not affect it negatively otherwise.   I would rather just avoid that chance.   I have also used these makeup remover clothes forever - I like them... so I'm in the habit. I also feel like when I use these with the brush -  I have really done everything to remove all the makeup/chemicals in products/dirt & grime that have built up on my face over the course of the day.  

So, once all my makeup is removed, I wet my face apply the soap to the brush and go.  At first it took a couple nights to get into the swing of things, but now the process is seamless - fast as can be.  You can use any cleanser that you have - just nothing with micro-beads. I have a cleanser that I have been using for years.   

The Brush has a timer so you know how long to stay at each section of your face.  20 sec nose and forehead, 20 sec chin and nose, and 10 seconds for each cheek - 1 min and your done!  Nothing can be easier then that.   

Yea, it's expensive... however, totally worth it!  You are to replace the brush head every 3 months.  I bought a value bundle 4 pack at my local ULTA with a 20% - what a score!  You can use your own soap, so that shouldn't be an expense factored in.  I am truly happy with this product and I do feel like it has made a genuine difference in the appearance of my skin - smaller pores, less blackheads, and fewer breakouts.    

3rd Trimester!

The 3rd Trimester

The LOOK

I am certainly pregnant... looking.  For a while I thought I just looked a little pudgy rather then pregnant - there is no mistaking it now.  

I fully fill- in all the maternity clothes I own.  My winter jacket is also starting to resist zipping around my belly.  (my winter jacket was one I purchased prior to pregnancy when I was a heavier after first off the pill, and before the PCOS diagnosis which brought on a large weight gain) I still think with the winter jacket on, it may be hard for some to realize I am pregnant... which is the reason I am going with why nobody offers me their seat on the busy subway.   So glad that Spring is only a month away.  

Since this is my first pregnancy, in my opinion it took a while for me to finally start showing which I hear is quite common.  



The CHANGES

Boobs
I have since the start of pregnancy went up a Bra size in width not really cup size.  Painful and uncomfortable breasts were one of my very first pregnancy symptoms.  In reality all of these lingerie brands vary so greatly, who really knows.  What I do know is that soon after a positive pregnancy test, I needed to new larger bra's without under-wire.   I had only worn under-wire prior to pregnancy  and it took some getting used to - but totally worth it.  




Stretch Marks
I do have some dreaded Stretch Marks around my breasts, the only place knock on wood they have shown up - that is what bothers me the most so far of the physical changes.  I am hopeful after delivery they will lighten and become less noticeable.  

HELPFUL TIP:
I also started sleeping in cotton tank tops with a built-in shelf bra at night to give the gals a little extra support.  I also apply coco butter twice a day to help keep things moisturized.

Hip Pain
OMG! My right hip hurts so bad.   I have always had some discomfort in my right hip, I did see a chiropractor a while back for the problem.   I am going to discuss with my Dr. on Friday at my checkup.  

Sleeping
I should really title that lack of sleeping.  Either I am having problems getting comfortable, falling asleep, weird dreams, or getting back to sleep.  I have tried everything.. reading, pregnancy pillow, music - nothing really helps.  If I do fall asleep it's only to be woken up to go to the bathroom, and then falling back to sleep is next to impossible for me.  I guess this is prepping me for when the baby arrives?

Shoes
Yeah, Woot woot!  I am still in all my original shoes. I have had some problems with my feet swelling at night - but so far so good... and everything goes back to normal.  The only real problem I have is getting my shoes and socks on - that is what a loving devoted husband helps you with :).  

Nursery Project Weekend #1

It seems only appropriate that since I am officially in my 3^rd trimester we start the nursery for our little girl.  When my husband and I were engaged we were self-proclaimed “wedding slackers” – waiting more than 3 months to start planning – in terms of the nursery progress I think our “slacker” title may apply.   

We live in a high-rise condo in the heart of Chicago as a point of reference.  We are lucking enough to have a second bedroom which is currently our office – soon to be nursery.  I’ll admit we have done pretty much nothing in terms of prepping for the baby so far, other than gather boxes. 

This weekend we are planning on emptying out the linen closet in the master bedroom, moving necessary items from the office to the closet.  We have large boxes that we never look at - like my Wedding Dress, Christmas china that was a gift (never out of the box), Wedding china (also never opened), and an extra Christmas tree.  We are fortunate enough to have family that is willing to let us store our items till we one day have a single family home.  We know some couples that have had to rent storage space, I'm glad that we can manage... joys of city living I guess.  

I think that even though this may be seen as a small step… it’s in the right direction and the rest will follow.  I think sometimes a project can seem overwhelming until you scrape the surface.   

I am excited for your furniture to arrive; it was a huge decision for us… our first major purchase for the baby. 

Here is a pic of the set we choose:

Simmons Cider Hill Double Dresser and Crib

What nobody tells you about pregnancy: Maternity clothes shopping, isn’t as much fun as you though it would be

I had maternity clothes shopping envy when struggling with infertility.  Then after becoming pregnant I couldn't wait to shop the maternity section.  Unless you go to a specialty Maternity store – then my experience was better… most often you have maybe 3 racks in a department store to choose from.  I suggest when you have the pregnancy high in the beginning of pregnancy to do a lot of shopping then. 

Now that I am more the showing – trying things on requires so much energy and I‘d just rather avoid it.  Not to mention it’s the middle of winter in Chicago so walking around in stores with full winter gear on and your stomach the size of a basketball just isn’t fun for me.  However, on the days where I do need/want to look good I kick myself that I have no clothes that I like or want to wear. 

Before struggling with infertility I weighed an average of 130lbs. on my 5’4 frame – shopping was simple.  After different medication with PCOS my weight juggled at my heaviest 168lbs. – that is when I lost the desire to shop for clothes.  When I did achieve pregnancy I weighed 148lbs. and I was just starting to enjoy shopping again.   Things you should know about the way I shop - usually only sales, very frugal, and have a short attention span.  

Maternity Wardrobe Helpful hints:

Borrow – I had a generous cousin that lent me her maternity clothes.

Try everything on - trust me on this every store has a different pre-pregnancy size S-M-L, they all vary greatly.

Your size will change – many times. From everything is socks and Bra’s just being aware that what fits this month may not fit next month when you are purchasing a new item.

Shop the sale rack – even if you don’t love it, it’s just a couple months. 

Read return policies – most stores offer maternity online and require returns to mailed back.  I always look for free shipping both ways.

Keep the tag on till you wear it – receipt in the pocket.  I bought some things on sale that I wasn’t sure of, and put them in my closet… if in a couple weeks if they weren't worn, back to the store it went. 

Coupon hunt- there out there, they may not be easy to find but they do exist.  Sign up for store email lists that will alert you of sales and send you coupons.   I always Google the store name for coupon codes or in-store sales if I know I will be out shopping. 

Don’t shop hungry – makes the whole experience more annoying… and bring a water bottle.

My Favorite Maternity Clothes Stores:

Motherhood Maternity - I can't tell you now nice it is to fit into a MEDIUM across the board.

Shadeclothing.com - Free Shipping both ways and super cute clothes. They have great sales!

Old Navy - Always one of my favorite places - only draw back is sizing I find to be inconsistent.  

H& M - I have found a couple really great sale piece in the store.  Check foursquare for check in deals - I gotten really lucky with the best coupon a 30% off one item.  

What nobody tells you about being Pregnant: Nausea, you may lose weight at first.

Truthfully – I have yet to really feel good, and have to come to realize I probably won’t. 

At about 6 weeks into my pregnancy I felt sick to my stomach… to the point I could not eat.  I would feel okay in the morning and at lunch – but then every day at about 4:00ish the sick feeling would hit.  I’d struggle to eat dinner- my husband kept a watchful eye on me to make sure I’d eat something.  It was good practice for my husband in dealing with a toddler I guess, lots of “have one more bite” fights at the dinner table during that time.  

That sick feeling lasted about 8 – 10 weeks for me and I lost about 6 pounds total during that time.  Before my experience I had never heard of anyone losing weight, I can’t tell you how many times I goggled “weight loss in first trimester, normal?” it was for me.  My Dr. was never concerned and eventually the feeling passed.  My Dr. did prescribe BNEXA a prenatal vitamin to help; I didn't have much success with it, although I do know one other friend that did find it very helpful.   

How I coped with my Evening Sickness

I have always liked Milk – I know lots of adults outgrow their love for milk, but not me.  Throughout this entire time I have survived and thrived on Carnation Instant Breakfast Milk Chocolate.  I feel off if I don’t have it every morning and I thoroughly enjoy it.  When you don’t feel like eating this is what helped me get through.  I also ate my fair share of saltine crackers and peanut butter sandwich crackers.  I’m happy to report that in my 3^rd trimester I am eating well and have only had a couple nights where I felt nausea.  

What nobody tells you about being Pregnant: It’s Hard, really hard.

It’s not easy!  Actually, pregnancy is very hard – at least it was for me it has been.  I can recall many times where I’d over hear a pregnant woman complain about a various symptom and I’d think “lucky her, at least she can have a baby”… now that I know what it’s really like I can sympathize.  I have/had this guilt that I am always reminded there are others facing infertility that may never be pregnant and to complain about such a joyous blessing just isn’t right.  The hormones that will take over your body make it impossible, to forget how awful I feel/felt.  Either, I was nauseous or tired or weak and I told my husband about it all. 

I don’t have that many friends that are pregnant or have children, and the ones that did have babies before me are not really much help now.  They forget the symptoms or can only relate to their own experience. I have tried explaining to my husband that now in my 3^rd trimester I have this “lonely” feeling.  I have no reason to feel lonely; I have plenty of friends and family… but I do feel this lonely feeling.  I think it’s just a combination of hormones/fears/hopes/dreams that I have never had before, and technically my body is doing this all alone.

I also have the fear of the unknown.  I started working on a workers permit at the age of 14 my freshmen year of high school.  I have throughout that time only brief periods of time go by without a job.  I have worked for 15 years and now after the baby, I will stay home.  I know I am extremely grateful for this chance and opportunity… but I’m kind of bugging out.  It’s all part of the unknown – exciting but a bit scary as well. 

My name is Blythe

About me….

It's  Girl 20 Weeks

I am going to be a first-time stay at home Mom; and it was quite the journey getting me here.  At 30 years old I can’t tell quite where I fit into everything yet.  

Pregnancy thus far has been quite the ride.  There are good days and bad days, but most off all I remember how lucky and grateful I am that I will soon have my baby Girl in my arms.

I feel blessed to have conceived after 2 years with a struggle of infertility due to PCOS.  

  

I married the love of my life my best friend in 2009.  My Husband has always been a great support and I am blessed to have him in my life.  

Wedding Day 2009 IL

I am frugal gal who uses coupons, I enjoy traveling, love classic television & movies, and enjoy arts and crafts.  A Chicago native living in the heart of the big city. 

Baby Moon Hawaii Dec 2012

This blog is my personal experience with pregnancy after overcoming infertility and my new experiences with motherhood.  It’s just my opinion and experience; I’m no expert on anything. 

If you are interested in my infertility ups and downs my struggles with PCOS please refer to my Blog
 http://myglamorouslifewithpcos.blogspot.com/

& 
Check out other helpful sites on my Pinterest page http://pinterest.com/Blytheanne/pcos/. 

My only advice is to remain positive – something I myself was never any good at.