Little One: 27 weeks

in Little One, Pregnancy

I blink, and it’s suddenly been over a month since I did a pregnancy update. 

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I think my lack of updates is mostly due to the only things I can think to say are:  I am pregnant.  I am getting bigger and bigger.  The number of weeks I have left are getting smaller and smaller.  I am alternating between total peace and freaking the eff out.  Hah.

27 weeks second pregnancy

I’m just kidding – I actually feel much more wordy than that.  It’s just that time feels super accelerated this pregnancy.  The days slip by so quickly – I feel like it will be December 1 before I know it.

 

How am I feeling?  Well – bigger and bigger.  The scale at the doctor’s said I’m up about 29 pounds, which is 8 more than I was with Henry at this stage.  I don’t know how that happened (well, I guess I do…).  My doctor and midwife don’t seem concerned about it, so I’m not, either.  But I do have to say that the faster gain makes me feel way more pregnant than I actually am.  Clothes I expected to still fit don’t.  I broke a bra the other day (true story).  Carrying Henry up the stairs feels like I’m scaling a mountain (I seriously LOLed when I read a recommendation that pregnant women stop carrying heavy objects – I have a toddler!).  The bump is tight and firm, and my back aches all the time.  Basically – I feel like I’m in every single inch of the third trimester.  Which I guess I am officially in now!  WAHOO!

 

Per the usual, I’m going to do the rest of the update in bullet point format because I have so many random things to touch on!

 

This time last round, I wrote about encapsulating my placenta.  I’m still planning on doing it this time – I just booked my appointment!  I’m sure half of the people reading this think it’s totally gross, but I’m super excited to see this baby’s placenta and compare it to Henry’s.  That’s weird, isn’t it?  Hah.

 

Henry starts ‘preschool’ tomorrow.  I am so excited.  I am so nervous.  This is a huge step in preparing our family for the addition of Number Two, so I hope it goes well.  Fingers crossed.

 

Henry is out of the nursery and into his big kid room.  I’ve slowly started to call the nursery “the new baby’s room.”  Henry seems cool with it.  He definitely understands that there’s a baby in my belly, but we’ve been talking about it for so long that he probably thinks the kiddo is never going to actually come out.

 

Boy or Girl Predictions – Henry only refers to the bump as “Baby Sister,” which I think is interesting considering I always say “baby brother OR baby sister.”  Everyone else thinks it’s a girl, too.  I still have no idea.  If I lean in any direction, I think it’s another boy.

 

Names – We officially had names picked back in June, but I continue to waffle on the boy’s name.  Boy names are SO FREAKING HARD.  We have one traditional boy name and one slightly less traditional name.  I’m a pretty traditional namer so the untraditional one feels slightly strange to me, even though I really like it.  We shall see! 

 

I’ve began to make a list of things we need to buy.  My list so far includes:  a babywearing carrier (any thoughts? I want something that can be forward and rear facing); another infant car seat base (we only had one car last time); swaddles (again, recommendations? I didn’t really swaddle with Henry but I plan to this time around); newborn winter clothes; and other odds and ends.  A friend offered to loan me a bassinet – wahoo!

 

Still working out – kind of.  I try to move every day, but it’s been 5 out of 7 days lately and it’s getting slower and slower.  I either walk, walk/run, or do some cardio at the gym.  I was really into yoga a few weeks back, but I kind of hit the wall with the non-prenatal classes – they were simply getting too hard.  I’m making it a goal to swim more!

 

Speaking of this – I’m really looking forward to trying PiYo workouts after the baby arrives and I recover.  PiYo is my grand plan for fitness with a newborn in the winter.  And then I wanna do a triathlon!  I missed tris so much this summer.

 

I feel like I’ve forgotten everything about what I did in the last trimester with Henry (like, I have all these ‘new’ questions about Primose Oil, Raspberry Leaf Tea, kegels, how I’m supposed to be sitting on the couch).  I wish we could’ve re-done the Bradley Method classes – it’s really nice to discuss childbirth with a professional guide every week.  I kind of feel like I’m at a loss right now.  Advice from other mommas who have been there, done that with these types of things?  I think the Raspberry Leaf Tea really helped me.

 

I’ve recently realized that the #1 lesson of parenting that I learned over the last two years is:  NOTHING LASTS FOREVER.  In good ways and bad.  We’re pretty sure that we’re done after two kids, so we’ve been talking a lot about how we’ll try extra hard to cherish the sweet newborn moments with this baby.  And I think this is going to make the sleepless nights easier, too – just knowing that it won’t go on forever.  With Henry, I remember thinking at 6 weeks that I was NEVER GOING TO SLEEP AGAIN.  That the newborn phase would NEVER END.  But you know what? It does… and then you kind of miss it (or a least parts of it!).

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(Henry photobomb!)

 

In the Oven {Again} (Announcement Post)

First Trimester Recap

17 weeks

22 weeks

Things I Learned About Having a Newborn

Our Drug-Free Birth Plan

 

Your turn!  If you’re pregnant or just had a baby, give me an update (I love hearing your news!)

{ 69 comments }

 

  • Jill September 2, 2014, 7:52 am

    Oohh, you are going to get sixty zillion recommendations on everything! Whatever you end up choosing will be great, I’m sure, but maybe keep your receipts, just in case 🙂 We loved our Baby Bjorn carrier, but I know lots of families who tried different carriers and loved them just as much. Whatever is comfy for you. We have two cars, but only ever had one car seat base, since we borrowed the seat and base from a friend (I cannot remember which one it was, but it was ridiculously fast to get in and out of the car, with the base). We swaddled the heck out of our kid. Drove my father-in-law nuts, he thought the whole idea was terrible, but our little guy LOVED it. We used the Aden + Anais blankets to swaddle, they were perfect. We’re really lucky to have amazing used-clothing stores in abundance where we live, so we had no trouble finding winter stuff. Our best winter item was a homemade car seat cover. There are tons on the market that look great. We loved the ease of putting him in his seat and not worrying about blankets or jackets if we had to take him into a store or even just from the car to the house.
    Happy shopping!

  • Jamie September 2, 2014, 8:52 am

    I have a 19 month old daughter and a 6 month old son… We are definitely done at two… I remind myself with each sleepless night that it will not go on forever. It’s amazing to me how completely different two children with the same genes can be… I love reading your updates. I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well!

  • Molly September 2, 2014, 9:00 am

    I think for growing with a baby the Ergo carrier is best. Their new 360 model has all kinds of options for carrying in different directions/positions. I was a terrible swaddler so I loved the SwaddleMe blankets with Velcro. Hope it’s an easy 3rd trimester!

    • Mish @ Eatingjourney September 2, 2014, 9:45 am

      Yes we also used the swaddleme blankets. I found the Halo sleepsacks a gross fabric and the swaddle parts weren’t long enough for my squirmer. Now that she’s moved on, she’s 3.5 months we’re using a sleepsack and a transition product called sleepy wings

  • Melissa L September 2, 2014, 9:05 am

    Check out the Boba carrier – I am in love with it for my 10 month old and wish I had gotten it earlier! (I got it when she was about 8 months) It is front carrier (not forward facing), back carrier and side carrier, easy to nurse – plus no special insert that you have to buy like the Ergo! I’m sure there are stores/ classes in your area that are specific to babywearing. http://www.boba.com/store/. As for a car seat check out the Diono (http://us.diono.com/convertible-to-booster/radianrxt) AMAZING reviews and will be good to use from baby to preschool age for the new little one! It is so worth the money!

    Congratulations & I hope the next 13 weeks fly by!

  • Grace September 2, 2014, 9:14 am

    The Ergo is pretty much the gold standard for baby carriers. You can start from day one (with a froggy hold and newborn insert or rolled towel), front and rear carry (and side carry!), and I still will wear my daughter in it, and she’s nearing three! It has a 45 lb weight limit I think. Worth every penny!

    As for swaddles, we loved the Summer Infant SwaddleMe swaddle. I liked those a lot because it left their legs free to kick within the blanket, since you’re not supposed to swaddle the hips/legs.

  • SaraJoan September 2, 2014, 9:18 am

    Baby carrier recommendations: check with your local LLL and see if they’re doing a baby carrier meeting, our local group does. Everyone brings what they have, shows how they use it, and lets other moms try it on a bit. There are so many choices, and different carriers work better for different body types and prefs.

    That being said, I’ve used a Maya Wrap through all four of our kids and love it. There a bit of a learning curve, but it can be used for front carry, back carry, and side carry support, plus it can be a bit of a “harness” if you’ve a toddler who wants to walk but you don’t want them to get too far away. We also used it as a seat belt in shopping carts and restaurant high chairs. And it folds down to next to nothing, so I could always have it in my diaper bag.

    My SILs both used different carriers. One preferred a padded sling carrier (she’s a slighter framed person than myself); with those I know you have to get the right size — Maya Wraps have sizes too (now, I don’t think they did when I got mine) but without the padding it’s less an issue, as long as the sling is long enough. My other sis-in-law liked the ERGObaby carriers, and they sure looked super comfortable (she’s taller and more athletic than me — I’m 5’5″ and pretty average ~grin~).

    One other thought: it might be possible to do a Bradley refresher course. Our doula was a Bradley instructor as well, and she would offer those for parents who had already done the full course and just wanted to review what they’d forgotten. I don’t know what’s available in your area, but it might be worth looking in to.

    Best of luck!

  • ashley September 2, 2014, 9:21 am

    Baby carrier rec: Beco Gemini. We LOVE it. You can have baby on the front facing in as young as a newborn and then facing out when he/she gets bigger. The carrier also works on your back and hip. The instructions are super simple, too.

  • Jen September 2, 2014, 9:28 am

    My little girl will be four months this Sunday. I have been trying to remind myself over and over and over again that I’ll miss this phase when it’s over. Sometimes it’s really hard, because I spend what feels like hours a day trying to get her to sleep, wake up many times a night with her, and feel like I have no time to work on my business or other me things, but at the same time I’m so very thankful to have her, you know? It’s nice to hear from parents who have older kids that they miss this phase because it really does remind me to be present and enjoy the little things.

    And I’m with Henry–I think you’re having a baby girl (Joy?) this time!

    • Caitlin September 2, 2014, 9:33 am

      Her middle name will be joy 🙂

  • Mish @ Eatingjourney September 2, 2014, 9:43 am

    Oh I love baby carrying.

    Forward facing is a bit of a controversy…but I’d really stear away from Bjorns. there are way better carriers for both you and bub on the market. To my knowledge the only ergonomically correct for baby’s hips is Ergo 360 or Lillebaby.

    Looking back I did use my stretchy wrap somewhat (moby, solley baby, etc) and we loved our Manducca (german soft structured carrier) (but there are heaps of options when it comes to ‘soft structured carriers’) I’d also encourage you to look at woven wraps (Lawilde, Oscha, Lenny lamb, etc). They can be used throughout ages. WE LOVE our ring sling. I was NOT going to get one, and I’m so glad that we did. it’s so easy and beautiful and verstile…newborn to toddler with front, side and back carry options. The other hybrid stretchy wrap thingy is a Caboo.

    I joined a baby wearing group (I just looked upon FB) and it was awesome. many of them have a ‘sling library’ and second hand wraps/carriers that are broken in but totally ok for use. Also, I love the women in my group.

    I def think it’s a girl.

    xo

    • Mish @ Eatingjourney September 2, 2014, 9:46 am

      I thought I wanted an ergo and decided on a manducca, because I can cross the back/shoulder straps which you can’t do on the ergo. That’s why ‘test driving’ them before you buy I think is a huge plus.

    • Caitlin September 2, 2014, 11:00 am

      I know it’s not great for them to face forward constantly but Henry would not let me wear him unless he was out. I just tried to limit it. 🙁 I figure I will need to wear this one to survive so I want options!

      • Grace September 2, 2014, 11:53 am

        Did you try the side carry, or back carry? Those are good options for kids that don’t like to face in.

        • K September 2, 2014, 4:36 pm

          Another vote for woven wraps! They are so much less intimidating than they seem and so incredibly versatile. I supplemented that with a Beco Butterfly that I bought used (great for when you don’t want to have to wrap/tie on the fly) and my son just wanted to live in those two carriers. Ergos are great too, but I think that any of the higher end structured carriers that put baby’s weight in the bum (rather than the hips) will do just fine for hip development. GREAT to read others’ suggestions – we wore out our Butterfly and are in the market for another carrier for #2 coming in Jan!

  • Mrs SPB September 2, 2014, 9:47 am

    My second baby is a week old today! We’re on sling/carrier no. 4 as I wasn’t happy with our other carriers with a newborn last time round. We have a Mei Tai and so far we LOVE it. Baby feels snug and secure and sleeps well in it and I can keep up with and play with my son. Plus it’s not loads of material and complicated like some of our other wraps. But it’s so personal so make sure you try a few. Biggest plus about bring a mummy of two so far is watching my son love his sister – he adores her. It’s like getting to know him again as well as the new baby – he’s such an amazing big brother – sure H will be too 🙂 xxx

  • Regina September 2, 2014, 10:00 am

    Our first son just turned 2 August 19th and our 2nd just turned 5 months old today! We plan to have another one, if we’re lucky enough but you definitely appreciate everything even more the second time around. You know how fleeting it all is, I mean I blinked and my son turned 2! What?!? I was really nervous about not being able to love anyone as much as my oldest, and then I had my second. The love is instantaneous again and your heart feels like it’s going to explode. And then your oldest becomes a big brother and your heart swells even more and you fall even harder. One of my favorite things in the world is watching my sons together. They’re so in love and obsessed with one another. It’s not easy, by any means. There’s always someone who needs something from you, I’m pretty sure I forgot what sleeping through the night felt like a year ago, and having 2 in diapers is like an ever revolving, revolting door of poop. But it becomes normal and amazing and incredible and you can’t imagine life without either. And running with a double bob will definitely make you a stronger mama. Oh baby.

    Red raspberry leaf tea definitely helped me both times. Drink tea, do the horizontal polka, bounce on stability ball, take long walk, repeat. Though don’t listen to me. We were a little too good t self inducing both times.

    • Mish @ Eatingjourney September 2, 2014, 8:08 pm

      I ended up taking raspberry tea capsules. I think they totally worked, I had minimal loss and a very fast recovery. 🙂

  • Dana September 2, 2014, 10:16 am

    I’m guessing all girl with this one 🙂

    My son is 18 mo and I’m also due with my 2nd in December. I too go back and forth between feeling calm and feeling freaked out! I was just telling a friend that I now realize nothing last forever as it does make me feel more calm and prepared.

  • Britt@MyOwnBalance September 2, 2014, 10:17 am

    Oh my gosh! PiYO is what I’m planning to do too to get back in shape after the baby gets here in November! It’s so funny you said that. I’m so excited to give it a go. If you are looking for some good prenatal yoga options try My Yoga Works or YogaGlo. Both have online prenatal classes that offer a variety of levels and durations. Perfect for when you are short on time and don’t feel like leaving the house.

    I have a couple of swaddles from Aiden and Anais and Carters and also a bunch of pre-folded swaddles that you literally just stick the baby in and velcro them up. They were all given to me/recommended by other swaddling mamas.

    Agree that selecting a boys name is so hard. When we found out we were having a boy, it took us forever to decide on a name but we had three girls names we loved.

    You look great!

  • Katie D. September 2, 2014, 10:18 am

    I want to say “Thanks!” Because of you and Kath, I researched and decided to encapsulate my placenta. I had a serious postpartum hemorrhage but once I started taking my pills, my recovery improved dramatically.

    • Caitlin September 2, 2014, 10:57 am

      That’s so cool! Glad you’re okay now.

  • Victoria September 2, 2014, 10:42 am

    I am loving PiYo!! My strength and flexibility has improved twofold and I’m only about half way through the program!

  • Steph September 2, 2014, 10:49 am

    I’m your due date twin! I, too, am getting bigger and bigger! Haha! I’m so effing tired most of the time but keeping up with a 2 1/2 yr old and being 27 weeks pregnant will wear you out! My little one started preschool today and I’m praying I’ll get a lot of baby prep done in the days she’s in school! Hmmm, I should really make a list! This time, I’m going to invest in one of those Snap ‘n Go stroller thingys. I also want a carrier that can be both forward facing and mama facing!

  • Jess September 2, 2014, 10:50 am

    Hi Kaitlin, great to hear your pregnancy is going well! Love the updates! I’m 31 weeks pregnant with my first. I had been running up until 27 weeks when I started noticing I was having braxton hicks very regularly (up to every 2 mins). I got checked out and it turns out I just have an ‘irritable uterus’ as opposed to full on preterm labour. I’ve got the ok to keep exercising, but to be honest the whole thing sort of freaked me out so I’ve been walking and yoga-ing instead. Yogadownload.com has a bunch of prenatal classes that are good (and there was a groupon for a subscription for $30/year) My goal is to also get back into swimming though!

  • Eileen September 2, 2014, 11:11 am

    I’m excited for y’all! I have a son Henry’s age and a 4 mo old son. I loved a moby wrap when they were tiny but it was just too hot for my summer babies. A Bjorne has been great until he’s big enough for the ergo. Mine seemed too tall for the infant insert, but ergo I definitely used the longest. I have to say the facing out thing is super cute and fun but somewhat short lived. Eventually they are big enough to see plenty out the side of the ergo or you can do the hip/back hold. More important is the ergo is most comfortable as they get heavier! Ha 😉
    And we loved the miracle blanket to swaddle our first, no noisy Velcro, but I will hope for your second to be as amazing a sleeper as ours. If you do sleep “training” type stuff from the very beginning you might not need to do any later. Such as laying down awake, bedtime routine etc. Best wishes to your family!

  • Liz September 2, 2014, 11:26 am

    Well, since you asked for it…. 🙂 I am 14 weeks with my first. It feels so great to be in the 2nd tri, although since my symptoms are fading I feel so NORMAL now and it’s a bit scary! I can’t wait for my 16 week appointment so I can see what the baby is up to in there! I’ve been reading through all of your old pregnancy updates and they have been super fun to read now that I’m going through it all myself!

    BTW, I’m really interested to hear about your experience with PiYo once you try it. My gym offers it and I took it once and wasn’t very impressed, but I also belong to a “big box” gym (24 Hour Fitness) and I find that their classes (particularly pilates and yoga) tend to be somewhat watered-down compared to similar classes at a specialized studio.

  • Amber September 2, 2014, 11:28 am

    The miracle blanket swaddle!! It looks complicated and a little restricting but babies love it for some reason and it will get you great sleep. I also saw at target that Ergo just came out with a similar swaddle that looks pretty good.

  • Rebecca September 2, 2014, 11:36 am

    You look fantastic! So exciting that your new little one will be here soon 🙂 You mentioned you wanted a forward facing and rear facing carrier and I just purchased and highly recommend the ergo360. I loved my traditional ergo carrier but my son wanted to face outward after a certain age and I was frustrated that I would have to buy ANOTHER specialized carrier to suit preferences. I decided that I would instead sell my ergo and look for a carrier that did both front and rear facing and wham I found the ergo360. It is so comprehensive I can’t recommend it enough. It can carry the baby from birth well into toddlerhood and has a front facing option, a rear facing option, a back carry option, and hip carry options. I LOVE it!

    • Caitlin September 2, 2014, 1:42 pm

      Oh man, that sounds awesome. Thank you!

  • Elise September 2, 2014, 11:50 am

    About the swaddlers: we were given swaddler wraps and sleep sacks with the swaddling flaps for my son. I highly recommend skipping the swaddlers and opting for the sleep sack version. My son outgrew the swaddlers in the first two months and he seemed much happier in the sleep sack with flaps. It also seemed to make the transition to a regular sleep sack much easier, when the time came. I’d say we only used the swaddlers four or five times. I found that receiving blankets were too small to get a good swaddle ( I think they make them smaller than when we were kids). Just my two cents. I know all babies are different. 🙂

  • Allison September 2, 2014, 11:59 am

    Hi! I’m a new reader to your blog and as a new mom (well, 3rd time mom, but new baby!), I love reading all the pregnancy updates! I have even gone back and read your previous pregnancy posts and labor story. I can relate, I have delivered my last 2 babies med-free as well. Our newest is 11 wks and I feel like the fog is lifting and we are getting some sleep. What you posted about taking in all the newborn moments really spoke to me. This is our last for sure and you’re right, is does pass quickly! I shall live vicariously through you again in Dec! 🙂

  • shannon Rose Bell September 2, 2014, 12:25 pm

    Just had my first in March, she’s six months and it’s going so fast! I remember people telling me at week 5 to cherish the moments b.c they’d be gone soon…and my sleep deprived, first time mommy, with two cracked nipples and hormones on a rollercoaster thought….I hope it goes fast, I can’t handle this!! Of course, now I miss it, haha!

    Babycarrier…I have the ergo, the moby (gifted to me), JJ cole stretch wrap, and a sakura bloom sling…the verdict: sakura bloom is the main favorite.

    I prefer baby facing me simply due to all of the benefits of inward facing baby wearing AND bc then baby and I can have snuggles etc… BUT my baby loves to look out, so when I put her inward facing she gets cranky and just wants to nurse. So the solution was the side carry…moby wrap was just too much to deal with. I’m in Southern Cali in the summer…toooooo hot, too much fabric etc… the ring sling by sakura bloom is perfect! It’s linen, so its breathable even on a very hot day, we can do hip carry very comfortably for me and baby and then she can snuggle mom facing me with her chest, but look out and see the world , we’ve also just mastered nursing in it (which took some maneuvering, but its awesome now!) I didn’t have the sling when she was a newborn, but I know you can do the newborn carry in it too and nurse in it w the newborn, so I’m excited to use it from day 1 with my next baby.
    What I did have for the newborn days was the JJ cole carrier which was awesome! it’s easier than the moby, holds them close and snug, and when they grow larger you can do two different holds, including an outward facing one thats OK for their hips. The baby bjorn has been linked to hip dysplasia, no bueno.

  • Morgan September 2, 2014, 12:32 pm

    Ask Henry if the baby is a girl or a boy/sister or brother. Sometimes they repeat the last thing you say!

    Just bought the Ergo 360 with the second, because you MOST DEFINITELY need to be hands free with a toddler and infant. The ergo was well worth the splurge- it’s easy to put on and really comfortable to wear. I would suggest a wrap type for the newborn stage though.

  • Jennifer September 2, 2014, 12:38 pm

    We had decided we were only having two babies as well so I made a big effort to enjoy every moment, every night feeding, every nap that I had to snuggle him because he wouldn’t let me lay him down. I genuinely loved every second of it. It didn’t hurt that he was such an easier baby than our first, so easy going, so cuddly. 🙂

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed September 2, 2014, 12:40 pm
  • Liz September 2, 2014, 1:07 pm

    For a baby carrier, check out the Boba 4G! I have a 3G and will be getting a new 4G for my second LO due in October. It does not forward face (I’m sure you’ve done your own research on that) but you can usually start back carrying as soon as baby can sit with assistance and most babies love back carries! It’ll change your life! If you really need forward facing, I’ve heard wonderful things about the Beco Gemini. I would steer away from the Bjorns and other croth-dangling type carriers though – they’re just not comfortable for you or baby!
    For a swaddle blanket, the miracle blanket was an absolute lifesaver with DD. It’s coming to the hospital with us this time!
    I love that you had a positive experience with placenta encapsulation. I didn’t do it with my first and am excited to see if it makes any difference this time around 🙂

  • ashley M. [at] (never)homemaker September 2, 2014, 1:27 pm

    You look great!!! Love reading your updates <3

  • Ashley September 2, 2014, 1:41 pm

    I’m sorry, what???? I realize this was only mentioned in passing and was not the focus of the post, but….you got a second car??? Was this talked about before and I somehow missed it?? I’m a pretty avid reader so I was shocked by this! I want more details (and I apologize if I somehow missed a post about this)!!!!

    • Caitlin September 2, 2014, 1:44 pm

      Hahah let’s see – we got it when Henry was nearly one. Our old apartment was super close to K’s work and we lived in a walkable neighborhood so it was super easy to only have one car. Once we moved out to the suburbs I felt really trapped at home. We ended up getting a used Suzuki sedan and LOVE ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT.

  • Daina September 2, 2014, 2:37 pm

    I HAVE to tell you…you look BEAUTIFUL!!! I have been reading for quite some time but am not much of a commenter but ohmygossshhh you have looked radiant through this pregnancy! And you had to know. 🙂

    Other thoughts include…

    1. Henry’d new big boy room looks awesome.
    2. So does that shirt you are wearing in your 27 week picture.
    3. Swim more!! I am not preggers (nor have I been yet…) but I am getting over a quad injury and went swimming this morning for the first time in what felt like ever and it was so nice to move without killing my body. Swimming is wonderful. I bet that little bump loves it!

    Keep being awesome 🙂

  • Carolina John September 2, 2014, 2:40 pm

    One happy day you can look forward to is when the last kid gets out of diapers! 4 or 5 years straight you will be wiping butts, and then poof they can do it themselves. ah, that’s such an unexpected relief.

  • Kali September 2, 2014, 2:43 pm

    I am 32 weeks along in my pregnancy and had the community pool all to myself yesterday. If you are still into consignment sales, I always see baby carriers at the ones in my area, but they always reek of old baby drool. But if you are willing to commit to cleaning them up then you could probably try out a couple of different ones for a lot less money than new.

  • Emily @ Tips on Healthy Living September 2, 2014, 3:07 pm

    Looking great! The baby name debate is a tough one…and I agree, boys names are the hardest. Good luck–you’re doing great!

  • Amanda September 2, 2014, 4:59 pm

    Hi Caitlin: Hands down, the Moby was great for my newborn, especially a winter baby because of the warmth (I’d find this one gently used). Then once baby gets a bit bigger, Ergo all the way. You can’t go wrong, but it doesn’t go front facing, and really my son never liked that. My toddler still hangs out on my back in the Ergo, goes up to 45 pounds. Money well-spent on the Ergo. I also have a Beco Gemini. If you’re dead set on having front facing carry option, Beco Gemini is a fabulous option. I have this carrier too. We’ve used all of them and I don’t feel that any of my money has gone to waste having three carriers. You’re going to need them with having a toddler to chase after too! Breastfeeding in the Ergo is easy once you figure that all out, it has a hood! and a pocket for keys and ID! LIKE GOLD I tell you. For a swaddler, the Aden blankets are fancy and whatnot, but my kid never took to them as blankies when he outgrew the swaddle, so…I’d rather go with an actual swaddler like the Miracle Blanket. SERIOUSLY amazing product. I would do this one again with another child. The Aden blankets are nice for putting a blanket in the baby’s sleeping space before it’s “recommended” because the fabric is breathable. I was never nervous having it in my son’s crib. Happy shopping!

  • Kelly September 2, 2014, 5:32 pm

    Definitely get an Ergo 360. The Ergo is the most comfy of all the carriers especially for your back AND the new one lets the baby forward face (and also has the facing in, hip and back option) You don’t need the infant insert you can just use a blanket for that.

  • Jennifer September 2, 2014, 5:45 pm

    We have a sweet 10wo adopted son, and we were gifted lots of swaddles of many different brands. The Mum2Mum brand swaddle has been a LIFE saver…. I seriously wash it every other day so that we can use it every night. It’s the only thing our little man couldn’t Houdini himself out of, and he has been sleeping from 9p-7a since 7wo entirely on his own… I think it’s because he’s so comfy in it! I am terrified of him rolling over… then we’ll have to give up the Mum2Mum! 🙂 Best wishes with #2… we were surprised to find out after adopting that I am pregnant and expecting #2 in March!

  • jen September 2, 2014, 6:58 pm

    my baby girl is turning 13 months next week and I cant believe it! we are currently trying and trying for number 2. As the youngest of 6 I want to recreate that as much as possible (in 2014 terms, that’s like 4 hahah). I just started piyo and I have to tell you I love it! pregnancy really changed my whole body, and i am still not feeling back to myself. i have strange joint pain that never existed before, and i was really frustrated with working out. i hurt so bad after working out (just doing what i did before) and not the good kind..especially joint pain. i just started piyo last week and feel like this is something i can stick with. i shake, i sweat, i feel stronger, and not nearly as much pain. i cant wait to hear what you think of it!

  • Christina @ The Beautiful Balance September 2, 2014, 8:26 pm

    You look incredible!

  • Leslie September 3, 2014, 12:43 am

    Sakura Bloom ring sling! Here’s why:
    1. It is fast and easy to put on and adjust! Sooooo much easier than stretchy and woven wraps, especially since there are times when they’re going to be up and down a lot.
    2. It is made of a really sturdy and lightweight linen – so good when your hormones are crazy in the beginning, and then by summertime, you’ll be thrilled with how minimal it feels.
    3. Not using it? Stuff it in your bag. It is really compact! Now that I have a toddler, that’s an especially handy feature. I can put her in the ring sling for a short walk or errand, and when I put her down to run around I have hardly anything additional to carry.
    If you want to try different carriers, I’ve found mom and baby groups with lending libraries, as well as a chiropractic office that would help people find the right carrier for them. Lots of carriers sound really nice and functional, but you need to decide how much patience and time you have for something with a steep learning curve, and what you’ll feel like carrying around when you’re not using it.
    Happy shopping!

  • Megan September 3, 2014, 2:38 am

    I just had my second child 13 days ago. 2 kids is hard… much harder than a I anticipated. My oldest is turning 2 years old in 11 days and right now we are totally entering the terrible 2 stage… Or is it… he’s trying to adjust to his new life of him not being the center of attention anymore?? Either way, it’s tough but oh so rewarding.

    Hopefully once we kind of find a routine, things will get easier around here. My husband goes back to work this friday, which I’m not looking forward to. I dont know what it’s going to be like with just me and the boys all day long with no help. I know I’ll survive.

    Anyways, good luck with the rest of your pregnancy. Enjoy you’re time with Henry before baby HTP 2 arrives.

  • Katie D September 3, 2014, 5:04 am

    It’s 4:46am and I am up for another middle of the night feeding with my almost 7 week old. Love this post and trying to cherish the newborn days as much as possible (even the colic “witching hour” each evening). I have a JJ Cole Agility Wrap that I just pulled out yesterday to try. It is rear and forward facing. When I out my little man in it. He snuggled right in and seemed to like it…he also spit up all over it so we have to keep it now. I am going to try it again tomorrow around the house and see how he does. Good luck with pregnancy #2 and choosing a boy name (so hard!), you look great!

  • Lauren September 3, 2014, 6:12 am

    Lookin good, momma!

    Whatever baby carrier you decide on, just make sure it supports your baby into the proper position for his/her hips. Bjorns or any other “crotch dangler” can be damaging to the hips. We have a moby wrap, which I liked for when she was itty bitty and now we have an ergo. Lots of people LOVE their Tulas but they’re pricey and I think you can only back carry or carry facing in. The ergo 360 allows for carrying in, on your back, hip and facing out when your baby is big enough.

    I only skimmed other comments but we also loved swaddleme blankets. Our Houdini broke out of the halo sleep sack effortlessly. We tried the woombie Houdini, which she hated bc she couldn’t break out of it, so then it was just constant struggle town. We also tried the aiden and anais easy swaddle, which none of us cared for. The swaddleme wrap sack was also nice. It has a zipper at the feet that you can unzip and have easy diaper access. She could break out of that one, too, but not as easily as some of the others.

    When she started consistently breaking out of the swaddleme, she still startled all the time and couldn’t sleep, so we got the baby Merlin’s magic sleep suit. It’s amazing. She loves it. We love it. I always recommend it to any new mom. If I had known about it sooner we would have moved to that sooner rather than fight with (and spend so much!) swaddles. She is a great self-soother now, which I feel like swaddling doesn’t allow to develop. It was developed by a pediatric physical therapist and allows for proper hip positioning in sleep. Seriously amazing.

    Have you seen happiest baby on the block? You can get the DVD on amazon pretty cheaply. There’s a book too, but the video shows how to do the 5 S’s to soothe a newborn. It was really helpful for us. I can’t remember if you did that with Henry (long-time reader).

    Aaaand I think that’s it. It’s so hard to choose because of the plethora of what’s available. AND what works for one may not work for another, but I hope you find the right products for your little one and family! Please excuse any typos.. Early morning iPhone post. 🙂

  • Chase September 3, 2014, 8:53 am

    I’m currently pregnant with my first, due January! I totally relate to two things you said: Feeling bigger and bigger (oh my… I even have a ways to go on this!) and feeling like carrying anything is like scaling a mountain. We just moved into our first house last weekend and moving was exhausting! I always considered myself fit, so this new normal is taking some adjusting and some positive self talk.

  • Melissa September 3, 2014, 10:15 am

    I used a baby wrap from an online site called Lovey Duds. Who knows if they are still around but I loved it and it’s been through 3 other babies in our family since mine.

  • Ali September 3, 2014, 10:46 am

    I’m 28 weeks pregnant with my first (a boy!) and so excited! I haven’t really gotten to the freaking out stage even though I feel like I have NO idea what I am doing. My husband is just so calm and reassuring that I feel like we will be able to figure it all out, no matter what. I also feel like climbing the stairs is a huge effort! I have gained 26 pounds and am seriously worried about losing this weight after he gets here. Also I haven’t been able to run because of all the pressure on my bladder! As soon as I get moving I feel like I am going to pee my pants! Prenatal yoga has been a big help, and just trying to walk although it has been way too hot for even that lately. Hoping with fall coming I will be able to walk more!

    • Caitlin September 3, 2014, 1:02 pm

      The weight will really come off – I promise. It just takes some time. 🙂

  • Angie September 3, 2014, 2:38 pm

    My favorite baby carriers are the ergo and a mai tie style wrap carrier. I used the mai tie carrier both front and back with one of my babies, and I could wear him on my back even when he was really small. The ergo works for the back also but only when the baby is a little bigger.

  • Jolene @ Homespun Heritage September 3, 2014, 8:31 pm

    I remember when we sorta chatted about family size before you were pregnant with Henry and you wanted a bunch of kiddos! I know things change, though. We are going on #8 (this one from China) and we’re getting really close to being DONE! Our Nissan NV holds 10 in the back so that’s our limit…

  • Krista September 3, 2014, 10:50 pm

    I love my lillebaby carrier. Check them out! They can have a narrow seat for newborns and front carry, and a wide seat for older babies. I use it all the time with my second baby. For swaddles, I like the Summer Infant cotton SwaddleMes. They are much nicer than muslin blankets, because they keep baby’s arms in nice and snug. Good luck with everything!

  • Ashley September 3, 2014, 11:34 pm

    I am so excited to meet little man or lady!

  • Leah September 4, 2014, 9:29 am

    Regarding the carrier: we recently purchased the lillebaby complete for the exact reasons you mentioned. It seemed to have more versatility than just about every other carrier (can do front and back carries, forward and rear facing, can be used from infant stage through toddler, etc.) I got mine brand new on eBay for 70 dollars. It also had lots of good reviews.

  • Linz @ Itz Linz September 4, 2014, 9:47 am

    Ok for swaddle use waffle blankets – you can get them so tight! I seriously swear by swaddling! Once William started breaking free, I use the Halo sleep sacks which I LOVE! And for a baby carrier – I totally recommend a handwoven wrap – they are beautiful and so versatile! I believe the recommendation is actually NOT to forward face carry any longer.. I will find an article and send it to you later. I’m kind of bars send with babywearing now – itz a whole world out there ya know!

  • Alan September 4, 2014, 2:31 pm

    Heard a song on the radio today that may help you with names:
    Henry the 8th (Herman and the Hermits). “All of them were named Hen-a-ry”…Just use that again 🙂

    You look great and have that pregnancy glow. Hope the 3rd trimester treats you well. (And hope you and husband recover from that Miami loss last weekend)

    • Caitlin September 4, 2014, 2:32 pm

      Oh man, we’re still heartbroken. 🙁

  • Leah September 8, 2014, 11:52 am

    3rd tri already? Wow! You look great!
    My first and only so far just turned 5 months. He’s getting so big.
    I love baby carriers. With a second child it sounds like a must! The ergo 360 is really nice because the forward facing position has a wide seat so its very comfortable for baby. It also does hip and back carry til around 40 lbs I think!
    We personally have a boba which I love but it only goes front and back carry facing mama.

  • Crystal September 13, 2014, 11:35 pm

    New reader here, and first time commentor. I highly recommend swaddle design swaddled blanket. They’re a little pricier than the Aiden & Anaïs swaddle blankets (though those are great too). They come with this nifty tag that tells you how to do the perfect swaddle, which is perfect for those like me that aren’t always great at it! I also swear swear by the ergo baby carrier. Some say that many of theforward facing carriers are great for babies because of hip dysplasia, ergo has come out with a 360 that allows forward facing too. Good luck with baby #2!

  • Michelle Z September 21, 2014, 5:10 pm

    Whoa comments. Sorry if this is late to the game and something that has already been said a bunch – but Beco Gemini is suuuuuch a great carrier!! Love it! Newborn to 35lbs, facing in, out, back or hip carry. Its got mama’s back in mind and doesn’t require any insert for infants. I love this thing. We were torn between the Ergo 360 and the Gemini because we wanted to be able to forward face – but the Ergo requires an insert for infants that’s a lot like a little fleece sleeping bag and I had a summer baby so that was a no go. 🙂 We also love the K’tan for a soft wrap. I just couldnt imagine trying to orgami myself into a moby at 2am with a fussy newborn! (Newborn-35lbs and can be worn 16 ways from Sunday.)

    We have a bunch of swaddle blankets and wraps… and my son HATED to be swaddled. So don’t go too overboard with investing in swaddles just yet. 🙂 I’d invest in one set of aden+anis swaddle blankets and then wait and see – because if Little One happens to be anti swaddle, you’ve still got nice blankets to use for everything else.

  • Miriam November 20, 2014, 12:26 pm

    I know I’m late to make a comment in here but I’d like to talk about baby carrier. I first bought a Baby Bjorn and though I made a good deal buying it slighly used from a gf of mine for a good price… However baby (born last June) was born premature and because of it, I started to look for information on baby carriers, I read that most popular baby carriers are not ergonomics, including Baby Bjorn and that the fact that they are or are not ergonomics, doesnt reflect in the price – since all baby carrier are more or less around the same price. So I went on and bought a new one, a Mei Tai they call it (the brand is Moa Po). And I am very happy with my choice (and baby is too!). 🙂 Hope this can help. Good luck 🙂

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