Pregnancy tips and tricks

Now that I am nearing the end of my second trimester of this pregnancy with this baby boy I have learned some tips and tricks that are keeping me sane that I want to share. I realize that everyone’s pregnancies are different, this is just the pregnancy advice that is working for me! This pregnancy has been much more relaxed than my last one, and I am grateful for the hindsight I have come to realize on a few things. If you know a pregnant or expecting mama I am sure they would appreciate a few of the items on this list! (hint hint, don’t miss the homemade chocolate ice cream recipe!)

How to exercise when you are pregnant

First up, listen to your body when it comes to exercising. This time around I am much more aware of exercises that could be harmful versus helpful. I also want to do things that make me feel good. Some of the best workouts are on my treadmill. I have found that you can do simple exercises with 5 lb. weights (or water bottles or soup cans, etc…) on an incline treadmill at slow speeds that do not include any running but still offer a great workout when pregnant! I created a little video to show you some of my favorite basics:

• Lunges at an incline with a slower belt speed
• Squat step-outs at an incline with a slower belt speed
• Bicep curls to an overhead press at an incline with a slower belt speed.

Find a new favorite show to help motivate you to move

I recommend finding a TV show that you want to binge and making it a rule for yourself that you can only watch it while you are on the treadmill! This has helped my motivation immensely. A few shows I am loving right now are: All American (pretty much a mix of The OC and Friday Night Lights), Songland (songwriter Ryan Tedder is a genius!), and This is Us (a classic).

My favorite pregnancy fashion

My baby bump is getting bigger by the day and comfort is of utmost importance to me right now. At the beginning of this pregnancy, I made a commitment to myself to find as many flowy maxi dresses as possible! When I was pregnant with Lila I came across a shop called Pink Blush Maternity. The dresses and blouses that I ordered from there not only fit great but were also really high quality and looked the same after being washed countless times.

I was thrilled to find this maxi dress and this flowy top. They are currently on repeat in my wardrobe. If you are expecting a little one I highly recommend checking them out and treating yourself to something cute! And let’s be honest, the maxi will be perfect for covering my swollen ankles in a month or two!!

The best lotions and potions for your bump

As this baby boy continues to grow by the day – I have tried to stay on top of hydration. Both with drinking enough water and what I am putting on my skin. During my first pregnancy, I tried every belly oil, cream, and lotion that promised to keep stretch marks at bay. And while I was lucky to come away without any the first time I was not overly impressed with any specific product.

This time I have come to find a product that I LOVE and use every day and that actually hydrates and keeps your belly from ever feeling itchy. It is called Vanicream and I was introduced to it by my sister-in-law who used it to treat her kids’ dry skin and eczema. It is free of all dyes, fragrances, and parabens and ideal for sensitive skin. I slather it on me and Lila every single day! It is so great for little ones who have sensitive skin, I plan on using it on baby boy once he is here. This Vanicream Light Lotion with Pump is more convenient to use versus the tub of Vanicream. Try it and I bet you will be sold!

My number one pregnancy craving is…

And now for the cravings, my number one pregnancy craving lately is ice cream. During this time of isolation, I have found immense satisfaction from this specific recipe for freshly churned homemade ice cream! My mom has an old-fashioned ice cream maker from 1975 that makes the hands-down best ice cream on the planet! It is so creamy and delicious and makes over a gallon so I can choose to share with neighbors or keep some extra in my freezer for desperate times!

This family chocolate marshmallow ice cream recipe has a no-fail guarantee and always turns out SUPER creamy. If you choose to make it, you will not be disappointed. The toppings and flavors can be changed up and you can add whatever you like. For example, we have made raspberry oreo and fresh peach all from this same recipe. To top it off, splurge on some waffle cones and your family will be thrilled! Or you can kick things up a notch and make Britt’s divine Half the Fat Monster Cookies to go along with your ice cream for the perfect pairing!

Grateful to be more than halfway and healthy

In all honesty, I am so grateful that I can be healthy and lucky enough to be carrying another child. Pregnancy is a long road but so far I have felt pretty good. To all you other expecting mamas out there – you can do it! And to anyone that is hoping for or going through difficult times starting or adding to their family, I am thinking of you.

Tell me what keeps you happy during pregnancy

Here is to 14 more weeks until we meet this little one! I will share baby items that I have gathered for this little one over the next little while. In the meantime, I would love to hear what your tried and true baby must-haves are and add them to my list. I hope that you are all staying safe and healthy during this time of uncertainty.