My goodness, life really has changed for our family compared to one year ago. Last year at this time we were preparing to travel to Tanzania with Compassion International. Zack + I were researching the vaccinations we’d need, what to pack in our suitcase, trying to guess how our hearts would be changed. Also, what is Shaun Groves [our trip leader] really like? ;) Never ever ever did I imagine I’d feel so scared getting on that first International flight to Amsterdam — I wasn’t sure how God was going to use this trip to change me — only to come home feeling so changed, and so unsure how this would translate once our suitcases were unpacked a few days later.
But, everything that God wanted to show us appeared in the form of two pink lines one afternoon in late June.
We knew very early on in the pregnancy {I was only 4 weeks along} that we had our little miracle Tanzania baby on his or her way. And now it’s just a matter of days until we meet face to face :) As my body starts to prepare for delivery I thought it would be fun {tee hehe} to share a few things I’ve learned throughout this pregnancy, along with some FAQs about taking a maternity leave when I run a handmade shop + blog as my full-time job(s).
Ready? :)
WHERE DO YOU SHOP FOR MATERNITY CLOTHING? I only have a few pieces of maternity clothing and they are from Target, Gap + Motherhood Maternity. I tried to pick out maternity items that were versitle; I can make a lot of outfits with a pretty small wardrobe, and I didn’t want to accumulate too many pieces that I’d only be able to wear while pregnant. Around 20 weeks it became very uncomfortable to wear my Bellaband with non-maternity pants, so I officially made the switch to maternity pants around that time. My favorite maternity pants are skinny jeans from Motherhood Maternity + Gap and skinny cords from Gap. Leggings (non-maternity) are still comfortable and I love to wear them with stretchy tops or a long tank + flannel shirt when hanging low at home. As for tops, I have gone maternity for most of what I own. Tank tops are super comfy to wear + provide an extra layer of warmth. Tanks also help lengthen the non-maternity shirts I can still wear, like the tanks I have from Target {they are a juniors XL}. When I need something dressier I love the sweaters Gap maternity has, along with this sparkly tunic from Motherhood Maternity. Two of my best tips for buying maternity: 1.) find your maternity size in-store, then shop online {Gap + Target have amazingly affordable items and their online selection is fabulous} and 2.) pair a maternity tee/tank with a non-maternity button up cardigan. I’ve been able to work in so much color + fun print combos because of these two tips :)
DO YOU PLAN TO TAKE A MATERNITY LEAVE? IF SO, HOW WILL THAT WORK SINCE YOU HAVE A BLOG + SHOP? Oh yeah! I have some posts/shop updates pre-scheduled throughout my leave, and once we settle into a little bit of a routine with Baby I’ll be sharing baby updates now + then. Of course my blogging schedule may look a little bit different, but I’m embracing the beauty in that and am thankful for your support during my maternity leave :) My seriously amazing, AMAZING assistant Cambria will oversee things while I’m snuggled up with our brand new baby + family visiting. As for my shop, I have an assistant that ships all of our orders, so there won’t be any delays with the shop or orders mailing on-time. I also have some guest bloggers in the queue and I’m really excited to share their posts with you :)
WHAT SCHEDULE CHANGES HAVE YOU MADE SINCE BECOMING PREGNANT? I’d say I’m now even more aware of how I spend my time, especially online. Sometimes it’s been helpful to take Twitter + Facebook off my phone, other times it’s simply getting out of the house to work on a blog post/project. I think it’s important to find a solution that’s unique to your family. In the beginning I was very, very tired — almost all the time. That only lasted for a couple of months, but now that I’m nearing my due date I’m feeling more tired more often. I’m very grateful to become a mom and still be able to run my handmade business and write my lifestyle blog, but there are no doubt going to be changes. Even simple changes, like making sure I’m resting a little bit each day, has helped so much. It’s been a really eye opening experience, but being realistic about our family’s needs has been the biggest change to my schedule and will continue to be once Baby arrives.
WHAT’S BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR YOU? Probably trying to know the plans God has for our family. Some days I have to let “not knowing” be good enough. Other days I feel a stronger sense what changes we should make and what we should continue to do. I never realized how exhausting — like seriously, exhausting, being pregnant is on our bodies. I’m sure moving across the country at 14 weeks didn’t help, but… it’s a part of our story ;) Another challenge includes work life. For almost three years I’ve been able to work as often as I wanted/needed, but come Delivery Day that will change. Choosing a spouse that will always support your dreams has been an incredible lifesaver for me. Zackary, you’re an amazing husband and I’m so grateful to have you help me navigate this new role of mamahood :)
WHAT HAS BEEN THE EASIEST FOR YOU? Knowing this baby is a blessing straight from the Lord, and He will provide…
IS FINDING A COMFORTABLE SLEEP POSITION REALLY THAT HARD? Ummm, yes :) Pillows are my new BFF, although it gets a little crazy re-arranging them when I’m half asleep but needing to flip sides. And I can hardly roll myself over. Let’s just say I’m glad it’s dark in our bedroom, haha ;)
WHAT ARE YOU CRAVING? Fruit, fruit, fruit! Fresh fruit, dried fruit, frozen yogurt, regular yogurt, juice. Oh, and candy!
HAVE YOU HAD ANY WEIRD CRAVINGS? No, praise the Lord…!
WHAT IS IT LIKE LIVING IN A TOTALLY NEW CITY + STATE? WAS IT HARD TO MAKE FRIENDS? Even though Los Angeles is the largest city we’ve lived in {we’ve also lived in Minneapolis + Detroit} I definitely know it’s been the easiest city to make friends — only because so many of you recommended us to your friends! THANK YOU!!! Zack was also more advanced with his career when we moved here, compared to when we moved to Minneapolis, so he had a lot of industry connections as well. The first couple of months were definitely very hard, but I think it was harder because I had so much re-building to do with my shop. It was a very challenging time for me professionally. After a couple of months we started looking for a church and have been attending Mosaic LA since December. Thank you Sarah for the recommendation :) We also visit Alissa + Kyle about once a month, they’re so fun! :) And lastly, a lot of our friends are midwest transplants, so that has been really comforting to see them and share life together.
WE LIVE IN A SMALL APARTMENT, TOO. ANY TIPS? I’ve heard really great things about the PUJ tub and I’m super excited to test it out once Baby arrives. It hangs flat to dry {such a huge space saver, some of those baby tubs are HUGE and they don’t collapse}, and so we’ve got it hung on the back of a door. We bought this piece of furniture to use as Baby’s dresser {placed horizontally}. It can double as storage for larger items, plus transition into a bookshelf/toy storage in a couple years. We’ve opted out of a highchair and will use a table version when it’s time. Our closet has amazing built-in storage/organization, which helps so much. I highly recommend looking for pieces that offer maximum storage options. We have this baby bouncer, which can slide under the couch if it’s ever in the way. And I recently shared our shared bedroom + nursery space, which includes even more links to the products we are using to save on space + make our nursery look extra cute ;) Lastly, we’re going to hold off purchasing anything large or bulky that we don’t need right now.
ARE YOUR FAMILIES COMING TO VISIT ONCE THE BABY IS BORN? HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON THE “WHEN”? They sure are! My parents are coming out to visit first, then Zack’s parents + sister are visiting. It was tricky to decide when exactly they should purchase their airfare, but we finally decided to have my family come a few days after Baby’s due-date, and Zack’s to come out a few weeks later. They’re coming in shifts and it will be lovely to have so much help while they’re here.
WHAT BABY NAMES DO YOU HAVE PICKED OUT? Sorry, we’re not telling ;)
Any other pregnancy questions? Leave them below, I’ll do my best to answer them in a timely manner ♥
EEEEeeee! This is so exciting! My husband asked me some time over the weekend if next Saturday was the 1st or 2nd. And I said, ‘Well, this girl’s blog that I read, she’s due Saturday, March 2nd so….Saturday is the 2nd.’ *blush* I’ve loved following along with your journey. Even if you don’t know me, I’ve been anticipating this baby *almost* as long as you guys have…well, since you spilled the beans. Hope everything go well these next few days and prayers for a healthy mama & baby.
@kara @ launching our life together, hi Kara, oh that is soooo sweet :) Baby’s {hopeful} due date is helping you to know when the 2nd is :) Thank you for your prayers!!! xx
Love this post, Mags! I really don’t think there’s been a more adorable baby bump ever on this earth…
Thanks for sharing these fun details with us. The rolling over thing had me giggling because it literally took a TEAM to roll me over in the last weeks.
Praying for you in these last days of this chapter…the next one is SO much better!
@QuatroMama, OH MY GOSH, I am sure! Carrying four babies at once… you are a strong woman :) :)
So excited for you. The next few weeks will be the hardest, but most precious, of your life. Enjoy every sweet moment with your newborn while he/she is squishy and sleepy. It’s just such a wonderful time and it goes by so, so fast. Get some rest now so you can soak it all in when baby comes along.
(Oh, and the best advice I ever received was to let the hospital take the baby to the nursery at night while you’re there so you can get some sleep. You’ll have plenty of middle of the night bonding moments when you come home. Sleep as much as you can in the hospital! ;) )
Much love to both you and Zack!
@Kelli, would you believe the hospital I’m delivering at doesn’t have a nursery? Only for NICU. They believe in 24/7 mama/baby time. I guess that’s one way to make it seem real, huh? ;)
@Gussy Sews, my hospital didn’t have a nursery either :) BUT, let the nurses take your little one when they offer so you can sleep. Our nurses came in to walk with our daughter when she was really fussy the first night and we were able to get a good nights rest. Plus, you’ll need it after labour and coming down from the high of having a baby! I think by the time I actually slept I had been up for 36 hours :)
@Gussy Sews, ack! The horror! :) But yes, I agree with Torrie. Let the nurses take her whenever they offer. And then sleep. :)
Those first nights in the hospital were extra special bonding to me and really important for breast feeding.
@Emily T, I think they will be for us, too :)
Hello, sweet friend! I just wanted you to know that, although I don’t comment often, I read every one of your posts, and I’m so excited for your little one to arrive. My sister, at age 42, just had her first baby this week, so I’m really thinking about babies a lot right now. I wish you such happiness and great joy as you transition to a family of three. xoxo
@Shelly W., Hi friend :) OHHHH that is so exciting!!! You’re a new auntie ♥
i love that you used that ikea bookshelf for a dresser/storage! it looks great. and those bins hold a lot of tiny baby stuff! so excited for you :)
Hi Maggie!
My husband and I recently lost a baby back in September & we are “trying” again for another little miracle. I have enjoyed following your posts, especially since you are sincerely happy and feel totally blessed with every aspect of pregnancy & motherhood…good and bad. You inspire me!
I have one question…well, thousands really but I’ll stick to just one! Did you/do you follow any exercise routine? You look amazing & I am not sure if you “prepared” for the pregnancy by ramping up your exercise beforehand? I am really trying to lose a bit of weight before getting pregnant since I am already about 15 lbs. overweight & I just want to go into it healthier with the hopes it makes the pregnancy/birth easier. Any suggestions {per-pregnancy & while pregnant} would be helpful!!
I can’t wait to feel all the milestones for myself but for now, I continue to experience them vicariously through you! ;) Thanks! Good luck Mama… I can’ wait to see your little lovey!
Lu
@Lu,
Oh, and one more question… may I please have ALL of your maternity clothes when you are done with them! They are fantastic! ;) LOVE!
@Lu, Awww! xoxo
@Lu, Hi Lu ♥ So glad you left a comment!
Yes, throughout the pregnancy I walked Bauer 1-2x/day. This is what we’re both used to so I was sure to keep it up once becoming pregnant. Nothing crazy, just a 20-30 minute walk around our neighborhood. I also really tried to be conscious of what foods I was eating, but nothing over-the-top. A lot of fruit, lots of water, half-caff coffee, protein/grains/vegetables. For a long time I didn’t have an appetite for meat so I found protein in other foods. And throughout the whole pregnancy I have craved fruit, so I ate a lot of it!!! And yogurt :) Baby will take your healthy nutrients first, then you get what’s left over. So I never worried about things when certain foods sounded yucky to me — although it’s important *I* was eating healthy for myself. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions. One thing I do know is if I personally eat a lot of unhealthy foods I will gain weight. So, know your body and what your limits are. Towards the end of this pregnancy I’ve wanted a lot of sweets so I try to fill most of my cravings with fruit or yogurt and then have a just a little ice-cream or other dessert. And don’t be too hard on yourself with the weight. Talk to a doctor and find out what’s healthy/appropriate/do-able. Stress is an icky thing and it’s very possible for stress to make it harder to conceive than needing to lose a handful of pounds. Even something like committing to get out on the weekends and explore a new part of your city, or a new city all together, can be super healthy for you. Not only physically, but mentally/emotionally. xoxo
You look SO adorable! :) I love that you are taking maternity leave – that is so, so, so important weather you work from home or outside of the home. Giving yourself time to spend with your new bundle of joy and learning to adapt to this new life is a wonderful thing!
Have you started making & freezing meals? My mom made a bunch of meals for us when our kids were first born. Very helpful to thaw something overnight & bake for supper the next night. Such a blessing to not worry about cooking dinner. Also, a lot of churches in my area (SC) take meals to people after they have babies. Does your church do that?
Mine didn’t have a nursery either but the nurses were willing to take the baby to the nurses station and watch him. Of course he was in the hospital crib thingy! I took them up on it for sure. Oh and with my second baby, I spent two night in the hospital because I could. I sent hubby & child A home & baby B to the nurses station so I could sleep (on my stomach)!!!
ps I thought zack roomed with Shaun. ;)
@QuatroMama, haha! No way ;) but baby happened over our anniversary… In June… Hahaha TMI?
Whelp…I pretty much set myself up for it! ;)
Somethings I learned myself while being pregnant with my firstborn: Tums becomes your new best friend, you do a little squirmy dance just to get out of bed, your bladder fills up in a matter of seconds and none of your clothes will fit right while you are pregnant. But if you are like me, I had to search for affordable maternity clothing online and found maternity down coats for outdoor activities to a red jersey wrap dress for nights on the town.
Congrats on your new little one! Babies are such a blessing. Even though it can sometimes be a tough adjustment at first, you will LOOOOOOOOOVE being a momma!!! Love, love, love!! A mom gave me this advice before my 1st & I loved it: “Try to enjoy every moment – even the middle of the night feedings.” They seem like they’ll never end in the middle of it, but they will. And it’s such a precious bonding time!
Besides, sleep is overrated. ;) lol!
Here in the UK we dont have hospitals with nurserys, be great if we did!!! I gave birth to my third in an american naval hospital in Naples-we were posted there for 2 years and the staff kept offering to take baby for me, but emily only woke every 5 hours so was alright!!
You will love the first night, i always think the first night in hospital is the most special. You’re still on a high from giving birth and its your first night of being with this very special and amazing baby who will suddenly awaken when he/she wants feeding. It creates the most amazing bond!!
Good luck for when things start, you’ll be fantastic!!! Xx
I will think about this. I really aatpecipre my friends who remember anything whatsoever about my kids. Like, the fact that we call my daughter a ladybug and call her that or send her pictures of ladybugs. Or that ask my son a question. Of course, that applies to older kids. With babies, it is nice when the person is willing to come over and visit and have coffee or something right after you’ve had the baby. Sometimes, you really need some adult conversation. It’s nice when you get a visit from someone who takes the time when you can’t pull it together and meet them downtown or whatever.
This is a very good tip particularly to those fresh
to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise info… Many thanks for sharing this one.
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