SURPRISE! We have some incredibly joyous news to share that has filled our hearts with immense excitement and a touch of nervous anticipation. Our lives are about to embark on the most extraordinary adventure yet, as we prepare to welcome a new addition to our family on September 30th!
Mr. B and I are absolutely thrilled, excited, scared, and a little overwhelmed, but above all, we feel incredibly blessed and ready to embrace the journey of becoming parents. I have been eagerly counting down the days to finally share our big secret with all of you!
Keeping this beautiful news under wraps for eight weeks from our closest family and friends was a monumental task. But let me tell you, keeping it from all of you for three whole months has been unbelievably challenging! I’m curious, did any of you catch on to the subtle hints or suspect something was up?
Now that the secret is out, I can’t wait to share every detail of our journey so far. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive recap of my first trimester, broken down week by week. So much happened during those initial weeks that this felt like the best way to explain everything thoroughly. Moving forward, I anticipate doing more concise recaps for my second and third trimesters, but please let me know your thoughts.
Additionally, I’ve included a curated list of my pregnancy favorites at the end of this recap. The sheer volume of products and considerations during pregnancy can be overwhelming, and I’ve found a few gems that have made a significant difference. Just imagining what our baby registry will look like is a whole adventure in itself!
We are beyond excited to bring you along on this incredible journey to parenthood. Only six more months to go until we meet our little one!
Our Journey to Parenthood: The First Trimester Revealed!
The first trimester of pregnancy is often a whirlwind of emotions, physical changes, and secret-keeping. For us, it was precisely that and so much more. From the initial shock and excitement to navigating early symptoms and planning elaborate reveals, these first three months laid the foundation for our upcoming adventure into parenthood. This period was a profound lesson in patience, anticipation, and the incredible changes a woman’s body undergoes.
The Grand Revelation: Telling Mr. B
The moment of discovery is truly unforgettable, and for us, it was steeped in a mix of disbelief and overwhelming joy. My period cycle has always been incredibly regular, a blessing I’ve never taken for granted. So, when Monday, January 21st, arrived without my period, I immediately sensed a shift. There was also a subtle clue from our beloved Juniper, who suddenly couldn’t get enough of me, a phenomenon I now realize was her innate sense of something new happening.
Initially, I tried to temper my excitement, considering external factors like the super moon that had just passed, which could potentially delay things. I gave myself two days, hoping Mother Nature would resolve any “delays.” But by Thursday, with still no sign of my period, a profound realization hit me: this was it. Deep down, I knew I was pregnant, but I wanted to make the official confirmation a special moment for both of us.
My plan was to wait until Saturday morning for a home pregnancy test, but my excitement got the better of me. On Friday night, before Mr. B returned from work, I took the test. Within a mere 10 seconds, two clear lines appeared—undeniably pregnant! While we had been trying, the reality of it was still a beautiful shock. The challenge then became waiting until Saturday morning to tell Mr. B. To make the surprise even more memorable, I had ordered something special overnight for Juniper to wear. On Saturday morning, feeling as elated as Christmas morning, I took Juniper downstairs. Secretly, I tied a bandana around her neck that read “Big Sis.” We always have family cuddles on weekends, and I knew this would be the perfect, intimate setting for the big reveal.
I placed Juniper on the bed and playfully told Mr. B to check out her new, cute bandana. He looked at it, initially confused, then slowly started to read the words. His expression transformed from bewilderment to utter disbelief, then a booming laugh as he shouted, “WHAT? Wait. ARE YOU FOR REALS?! I’m going to be a daddy!” Tears of pure joy streamed down my face. Finally sharing the news made it feel incredibly real, especially when I handed him the positive pregnancy test. It was a truly wonderful, unforgettable moment, marking the official start of our new chapter.
First Trimester Weekly Recap: A Rollercoaster of Emotions and Milestones
The first trimester, from week 4 to week 13, was a period of intense physical and emotional transformation. Each week brought new symptoms, new anxieties, and new waves of profound love and anticipation. Here’s a detailed look at how our little poppy seed grew into a lemon, and how we navigated these initial crucial weeks of pregnancy.
Week 4: The Poppy Seed Stage – Acknowledging the Start
- Baby’s Size: Approximately the size of a poppy seed.
- Key Symptoms: Bloating, swollen breasts, mild cramping, persistent fatigue, and a profound sense of mental shock.
Week 4 was a whirlwind, truly a roller coaster of emotions as we officially embarked on our pregnancy journey. The physical symptoms were subtle but undeniable. My breasts felt tender and swollen, a mild cramping hinted at the significant changes occurring internally, and a persistent bloating made my clothes feel snug. The fatigue was overwhelming, making even simple tasks feel like a marathon. But perhaps the most profound symptom was the mental shock—the realization that this was truly happening, that a new life was beginning inside me, brought a wave of disbelief mixed with incredible joy. It was a week of quiet internal celebration and the beginning of a whole new perspective on life.
Week 5: The Apple Seed Stage – Navigating Early Pregnancy Concerns
- Baby’s Size: Roughly the size of an apple seed.
- Key Symptoms: Increased tiredness, continued swollen breasts, mild cramping, noticeable mood swings that could be intense.
Entering Week 5, I still didn’t quite feel “pregnant-pregnant” in the way I had imagined, though my body was certainly undergoing significant construction. Mr. B and I even developed a playful code to discuss my symptoms: he’d ask, “Is the crew hard at work today?” and I’d respond with updates on the internal “construction.” The stretching of my uterus, fluctuating hormones, and continuously swollen breasts truly made it feel like my body was a busy building site. This week was also particularly challenging due to lingering anxieties. As a woman over 35, the concern about miscarriage weighed heavily on my mind. I constantly reminded myself to focus on what I could control: maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, continuing with gentle exercise, and finding moments for relaxation. It was a week of conscious effort to manage worry and embrace a positive outlook.
Week 6: The Sweet Pea Stage – Finding Our Pregnancy Rhythm
- Baby’s Size: About the size of a sweet pea.
- Key Symptoms: Sore and continuously swollen breasts (a constant!), feeling full very quickly, improved energy levels compared to previous weeks, strong cravings for bland foods like avocado and turkey sandwiches, and a welcome reduction in mood swings.
Week 6 brought a noticeable improvement in my overall well-being compared to the previous two weeks. I began to feel more settled in the reality of being pregnant. The biggest lifestyle shift was, of course, abstaining from my usual glass of wine after a long day. I channeled this redirected energy into productive activities, focusing on home remodeling projects, experimenting with new cooking techniques, dedicating time to reading, and working on long-term goals for CGM. A significant mental hurdle was the need to keep the pregnancy a secret until Week 8, when our first OB-GYN appointment would confirm a healthy pregnancy before we shared the news with parents, friends, and in-laws. This period of secrecy was incredibly challenging; I longed to shout our news from the rooftops! If anything, this pregnancy has already taught me an immense amount of patience.
Week 7: The Blueberry Stage – Anxious Anticipation and Planning
- Baby’s Size: Comparable to a blueberry.
- Key Symptoms: Breasts permanently swollen (truly!), a definite slight belly bulge becoming apparent, a significantly heightened sense of smell, and intense cravings for sweets such as ice cream, cookies, and BarkTHINs.
The beginning of Week 7 brought a new wave of anxiety. Knowing that our first OB-GYN appointment was just around the corner, coupled with planned visits from Bret’s parents, followed by my own, made me feel a bit overwhelmed. Aside from the hardening of my lower abdomen and perpetually swollen breasts, I was fortunate to experience relatively mild symptoms, for which I was incredibly grateful. To manage my anxious thoughts while waiting for Week 8, I immersed myself in extensive research on all things baby-related. I started compiling an Amazon list of highly recommended items by other mothers and delved into understanding newborn sleep patterns. As a highly organized individual, visualizing routines and mentally preparing for waking every two to four hours helps me feel more in control. This practice of focusing my undivided attention on future planning has significantly reduced my anxiety, which is a positive development. In a fun secret project, I’ve also begun piecing together a nursery theme, aiming to create an “imaginative space.” More details on that exciting venture will be shared soon!
Week 8: The Raspberry Stage – Our First Prenatal Visit and Heartbeat
- Baby’s Size: Approximately the size of a raspberry.
- Key Symptoms: Afternoon fatigue becoming more pronounced, abdominal stretching sensations, and a strong craving for sweets, especially in the mornings, with Sprouts Cranberry Orange Scones becoming a daily staple.
Week 8 arrived as a true roller coaster of emotions, culminating in our highly anticipated first prenatal appointment on Monday. The four-week wait to see the doctor felt brutally long; there were moments I almost took another pregnancy test just to confirm it was all real! Mr. B and I successfully navigated our initial visit. Our OB-GYN was wonderfully calm and reassuring, guiding us through all the essential details of pregnancy. We even discovered she lives just down the street from us—how incredibly convenient is that?! During this pivotal appointment, we had the incredible experience of seeing our baby’s heartbeat for the very first time, a moment that solidified the reality of our growing family. We also learned I have a fibroid. While the doctor assured us it’s generally not a concern and simply needs monitoring, a small part of me remains a little paranoid. We’re looking forward to our ten-week appointment for more information and continued reassurance.
Week 9: The Cherry Stage – Sharing the Joy with Our Families
- Baby’s Size: The size of a cherry.
- Key Symptoms: Breasts have definitely grown significantly, and incorporating afternoon resting into my daily routine has become absolutely essential. I also developed a new and rather peculiar craving for orange juice in the mornings, something I never drank before.
The start of Week 9 was an absolute whirlwind of excitement, as both sets of our parents came into town for a very special reason: a surprise in-person announcement! To throw them off the scent, we spun a story about finding a unique piece of art from a “local artist” that we wanted to gift for their homes. When they finally opened their gifts, they found a framed picture of our baby’s sonogram, accompanied by the sweet message, “coming soon!” Each parent was in complete shock, followed by overwhelming joy and excitement. Their reactions were priceless and made the long wait to share the news entirely worth it. It was a beautiful moment of collective celebration and the beginning of our wider family’s embrace of this new journey.
Week 10: The Strawberry Stage – Creative Reveals and Genetic Screening
- Baby’s Size: The size of a strawberry.
- Key Symptoms: Persistent afternoon fatigue, continued breast tenderness, and a growing reliance on scones and orange juice to kickstart my mornings.
Week 10 was another eventful one, packed with more creative pregnancy surprises and our crucial genetic testing appointment. During a ski trip to Deer Valley, we decided to surprise our friends with a little help from the hotel. I wrapped two jars of Prego spaghetti sauce, presenting them to each couple as a “special sauce” from Utah. Katie and Megan immediately caught on to the playful pun and erupted in delighted cheers. It was a fun and memorable way to share our news!
Next up were our siblings, which required even more creative planning since they all live back in Kansas, and I wanted something more personal than a phone call. For Bret’s family, I told them I was launching a CGM shop and needed to send them “samples.” These samples turned out to be cleverly designed t-shirts that read “Funcle,” “BAE” (Best Aunt Ever), and a sweet white onesie with a simple “GUESS WHAT?” on it. It was incredibly fun to see their reactions—nobody had a clue!
For my own family, I informed my brothers that my dad wanted “lake shirts” for our summer trip and that I’d be sending them samples. Of course, the “samples” were the same “Funcle,” “BAE,” and a “Cousin Crew” shirt (to keep things fresh on my side!).
Beyond the exciting reveals, Week 10 also included another ultrasound to monitor the growth of my fibroid. Thankfully, it hadn’t grown and was actually positioned away from the baby—a huge relief! While it’s still something to keep an eye on, it appears manageable. This appointment also involved giving about four vials of blood for genetic testing. The nerves were certainly present. Being over 35 and expecting a baby comes with a lot of testing and concerns, which can be a real mental hurdle. I’m maintaining a positive mindset, confident that our baby will be happy and healthy. And, in case you’re curious, we’ve decided to opt out of finding out the baby’s gender for now. Mr. B is firmly against knowing, though I’m still on the fence! Fingers crossed that all genetic test results come back with no issues.
Week 11: The Lime Stage – Relief and Widespread Celebrations
- Baby’s Size: About the size of a lime.
- Key Symptoms: Generally feeling very good, aside from the ongoing swollen breasts. The only noticeable food aversion this week was to large chunks of beef; for some reason, I just couldn’t stomach it.
Week 11 brought a wave of immense relief and continued joy, primarily because we received the highly anticipated results for the baby portion of our genetic testing. The report confirmed a low risk for any genetic disorders, which was a huge weight lifted off our shoulders. This fantastic news allowed us to fully embrace the excitement of our growing family. With the initial anxieties eased, we enthusiastically shared our expecting news with even more friends, which was incredibly fun! Since I wasn’t visibly showing yet, each new announcement made the pregnancy feel even more real and solidified the beautiful journey we’re on.
Week 12: The Plum Stage – Energy Returns and Future Planning
- Baby’s Size: The size of a plum.
- Key Symptoms: Energy levels are noticeably starting to return, and my bra size has definitely increased. Hello, impressive pregnancy cleavage!
By the start of Week 12, I was feeling remarkably good. I traveled back to Kansas for a combination of work and family visits. While I did notice some difficulty staying adequately hydrated during this trip, overall, my energy levels were on the rise, and I felt great. It was exciting to personally share our big news with my aunts and uncles. My sweet Aunt Joan, who had graciously helped me write my cookbook, was in complete shock when I revealed it to her. I handed her a copy of my cookbook, asking her to check out a specific recipe. Inside, I had thoughtfully bookmarked the page with a sonogram picture, and needless to say, she was absolutely thrilled! As I crept closer to the second trimester, my focus naturally shifted toward more serious planning. I began dedicating more thought to the nursery design and compiling our baby registry. Additionally, I started considering meal planning strategies and contemplating the duration of my maternity leave, ensuring we’re well-prepared for our little one’s arrival.
Week 13: The Lemon Stage – Kicking Off the Second Trimester
- Baby’s Size: Approximately the size of a lemon.
- Key Symptoms: No significant new symptoms this week, though the faint outline of a linea negra has started to appear on my belly. It’s subtle, but I’m curious to see if it extends above my belly button, as old wives’ tales suggest that indicates a girl!
The beginning of Week 13 felt like a finish line we were eager to cross, marking the very end of the first trimester. This week was dedicated to capturing our joy with a professional photoshoot for our grand reveal! Jenna, our talented photographer, took our family photos, and we had an absolute blast during the session. We opted for a travel-themed concept, and of course, our sweet Juniper was an integral part of the fun. And with that, we officially wrap up the first trimester! HOLY BALLS, these past three months have absolutely flown by. The more I reflect on it, the more I realize our baby will be here before we know it. I’ll also be navigating the peak of my pregnancy during the summer months, so if any seasoned moms out there have tips on how to survive the heat and stay comfortable, please send them my way!
First Trimester Must-Haves: My Pregnancy Favorites
Navigating the first trimester comes with its unique set of challenges and needs. To help make this period a little smoother and more comfortable, I’ve compiled a list of products and resources that I’ve absolutely loved and relied on. These essentials have been game-changers for managing symptoms and embracing this new phase of life:
- Olly Prenatal Gummies: Forget those enormous, hard-to-swallow prenatal pills! These gummies are not only incredibly delicious, making them a treat rather than a chore, but they also provide all the essential nutrients without the struggle of taking a large pill. They’ve been a morning favorite, especially when my stomach felt a bit queasy.
- Mamma Mio Tummy Butter: Hydrating and protecting your skin during pregnancy is key, and this tummy butter has been a dream. It smells absolutely divine—light and fresh, not greasy or overpowering—and applies beautifully, absorbing quickly without leaving any residue. I started using it around six weeks, and so far, my skin feels wonderfully soft and supple.
- The Bump App: This app has been an invaluable resource. It’s packed with comprehensive information about baby development, week-by-week changes, and helpful articles. What I particularly love is the ability to share fun, random facts with Mr. B, like “today the baby is the size of a baby chicken.” It’s a fantastic way to keep him engaged and informed throughout the pregnancy journey.
- True & Co. Body Lift Wireless Bra: The changes in breast size and tenderness during pregnancy are no joke! By about week 7, wearing underwire bras became genuinely painful. This wireless bra is nothing short of a miracle. It’s incredibly comfortable, feels like you’re wearing nothing at all, yet still offers fantastic support and a flattering shape. It allowed me to feel like a lady without sacrificing comfort, and I’m definitely planning on ordering a few more.
- Lululemon Align Crop: These capris have become my uniform. They are unbelievably comfortable, feeling like a second skin, which is crucial as my body changes. Their soft, stretchy fabric is an absolute dream for an expanding belly, providing comfort and flexibility without feeling restrictive. I practically live in them!
- What to Expect When Expecting Book: While the internet offers a wealth of information, there’s something comforting and straightforward about this classic pregnancy guide. It provides foundational knowledge on everything from delivery to postpartum recovery in a thoughtful and accessible way, cutting through the noise and offering clear, reliable advice. It’s my go-to for quick answers and reassuring insights.
Inspiring Brands for Expecting and New Moms: My Top Instagram Follows
Beyond personal products, I’ve found a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice from various brands and accounts on Instagram. These resources cover everything from baby sleep and nursery design to maternity fashion and safe beauty, offering a holistic approach to preparing for motherhood:
- Taking Cara of Babies: Cara’s classes on teaching newborns up to 24-month-olds how to sleep are legendary. I’m convinced she’s going to save my sanity. Her practical, gentle approach to sleep training is incredibly reassuring for anxious first-time parents.
- The Snoo/Happiest Baby: Speaking of sleep, the Snoo smart sleeper is constantly on my radar. Its promise of soothing babies and extending sleep for both baby and parents is incredibly appealing. This “bad boy” will definitely be making an appearance in our home.
- Chelsey Wang Beauty: Recommended by Cara of Taking Cara of Babies, this brand offers safe and effective beauty products for moms and babies. Their diaper cream and calming massage oil look particularly amazing, emphasizing natural and gentle ingredients.
- ASOS Maternity: For stylish and affordable maternity wear, ASOS is a fantastic resource. They offer such great finds, including nursing tops that are fashionable and don’t resemble a traditional “moo-moo,” allowing you to feel chic throughout your pregnancy and postpartum.
- Loulou LOLLIPOP: This brand creates super cute and safe baby teething toys. Their designs are so adorable, making them perfect for both soothing a baby’s gums and as stylish accessories.
- Pehr Designs: I am completely obsessed with Pehr Designs’ crib mobiles! Their aesthetic is beautiful and whimsical, adding the perfect touch of charm and imagination to any nursery space.
- Top Knots: GAH! If we have a girl, I absolutely want to have about 27 of these adorable headbands! Their designs are incredibly sweet and stylish, perfect for dressing up a little one.
- KindredBravely: Their nursing and sleep bras look incredibly comfortable and supportive, essential for new mothers. Plus, they offer bamboo nursing pads that come with a convenient carrying bag for easy washing—a practical detail that I truly appreciate.
- BabyLetto: BabyLetto’s modern cribs are absolutely gorgeous and, importantly, very affordable. Their clean lines and contemporary designs are exactly what I envision for our imaginative nursery space.
As we close the chapter on the first trimester, our hearts are bursting with anticipation for what’s to come. This journey into parenthood is already proving to be the most profound and exciting adventure of our lives. Thank you for joining us, and stay tuned for more updates as our little one continues to grow!