How Things Are Different in My Second Pregnancy

My second pregnancy . . .

In all honesty, the last few months have been a bit of a blur. Raising a little one, renovating a home and tackling the challenges of everyday life have been a distraction. Pregnancy, the second time around, is definitely different. But, we’ve felt so much love since our big announcement, and we’re counting down the days until we get to meet Baby Sister. We couldn’t be more excited.

Pregnancy is such a funny thing. We hope, pray and dream of getting pregnant, yet when we’re in the thick of it, I feel so guilty about wanting it to be over. (The mental and emotional side effects of pregnancy are really hard for me. I’m sure some of you can relate.) Now that I’m a just few weeks shy of my third trimester, I’ve made a goal to slow down and find ways to appreciate the stage of life. Here are a few things I’m trying to do different this time around:

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

The simple truth is that I can’t do it all. There aren’t enough hours in the day, and I don’t have enough energy to do all the things I want to do. This means some to-do’s just don’t get done. I’ve often had to prioritize what’s most important each day, like being a good + fun mom to Mary Jane, and let go of the rest. Park dates and walks around the neighborhood always trump folding the laundry. Sorry household chores!

Get Outside Once a Day

There’s so much to be said about feeling the sun on your face and breathing the fresh air. It always does the body good. Now that the weather is warming up, we’re eating our snacks outside, logging time on the swings and strolling around the local outdoor shopping center. I’m also looking forward to summer activities like Saturday mornings spent at the farmer’s market and weekend picnics up the canyon. Have any fun toddler outings up your sleeve?

Do Prenatal Stretches Each Night 

The human body is incredible. It can simultaneously grow a new human, nurture a needy toddler and maintain the health of the host aka me. I am constantly in awe of the things my body can do as a mom. To relieve the inevitable aches and pains, I like to set aside 10 minutes each night for stretching. These prenatal stretches help me sleep more soundly and ease the siatic nerve pain I experience throughout the day.

Hire a Babysitter

Be it visits from Grandma or a regularly scheduled nanny, I can’t tell you how good it is to have a break. I look forward to the ‘time off’ and use it to boost productivity, run errands or catch up on Aubry-things that would otherwise go undone. After all, these are the activities that remind me I’m human! Also, there’s absolutely no shame in getting a babysitter just so you can take a nap. I’ve certainly had those days. Listen to your body–self care is extremely important + mamas need breaks, too.

Let Go of the Guilt

This is one of my biggest challenges in life, let alone pregnancy. Negative feelings always seem to find a way of creeping in . . . let’s blame the crazy hormones. It’s easy to focus on the things that aren’t getting done or the limits pregnancy puts on life. I refuse to let myself think this way anymore. Though pregnancy and raising a little one have been the hardest things I have ever done (and I’ve been a far from perfect mom), they have also brought me so much joy. This is what I want to remember.

Any mamas out there on their second pregnancy? How are you managing the constant juggle?

photos by Gentri Lee