THE BUMP OVER TIME

Top to bottom: 1// 11 weeks 2// 14 weeks 3// 18 weeks 4// 19 weeks 5// 22 weeks 6// 26 weeks 7// 28 weeks 8// 30 weeks 9// 32 weeks 10// 33 weeks 11// 34 weeks 12// 35 weeks 13// 37 weeks 14// 38 weeks 15// 39 weeks

Now that Soren is nearly 2 months, I've been feeling a little nostalgic about being pregnant with him and love that I documented most of my pregnancy in photos. It's crazy looking back and thinking about how fast the pregnancy went by. I've really enjoyed not being pregnant anymore and actually having him to snuggle with! ;) Being pregnant with him was such a special experience and I'm so thankful for everything I learned. -- This might sound a little cliche, but I am AMAZED at how a woman's body can grow life and give birth. It truly is incredible.

I'm loving this season of being on the other side of pregnancy and learning how to be a mommy. If you would have asked me after giving birth if I wanted more children I probably would have laughed hysterically in your face. Now that time has passed and some of that pregnancy/labor "amnesia" has set in, I'm very much looking forward to continuing to grow our family in the future. But right now, Jon and I will just focus on this first year with little Soren and go from there. ;)

BEAUTY: FACE CARE DURING PREGNANCY

A few months ago I did a video about my body care routine during pregnancy and I wanted to follow up by doing a video about my favorite face care products to use during pregnancy. It can be a little tricky finding great products that make you feel fabulous AND help combat acne if you're struggling with that during pregnancy.

I really experienced a lot of hormonal acne during my second trimester and into my third trimester so it became super important for me to have a clean, fresh face and do a little extra to take care of myself. Honestly, spending a little extra time on myself during this time and been one of the main ways I relax and feel loved on. Pregnancy is such a special time. Soak up every minute and don't forget to give yourself a little extra love. :)



PRODUCTS MENTIONED
* Cucumber Cleansing Face Towelettes - Say Yes // http://bit.ly/19jlC2r
* Charcoal & Sugar, Dead Sea & Chocolate & Strawberry Face Mask - Freeman's // http://tinyurl.com/kg3b26q
* Skin Savior Beauty Balm - One Love Organics // http://tinyurl.com/74fwks6
* 9 to 5 Cleansing Lotion - LUSH // http://tinyurl.com/l23x36h
* Tea Tree Toning Water - LUSH // http://tinyurl.com/ltk22ll
* Imperialis & Skindrink Moisturizer - LUSH // http://tinyurl.com/owhpxgz
* Ocean Salt Scrub - LUSH // http://tinyurl.com/lclqt7w

Christmas is 4 DAYS away!! Are you done Christmas shopping yet? I've still got one more thing to pick up and a pile of gifts to wrap. I can't believe it's almost here. :) Love all of you, Merry Christmas!

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BEAUTY: BODY CARE ROUTINE DURING PREGNANCY

Pregnancy land has introduced all sorts of weird side effects and body changes. Can I get an Amen? Today I'm sharing my current most-loved body care products during pregnancy to help with growing tummies, dry skin, and stretch marks! :) Pregnant or not, it's important to have "love yourself" time and give yourself some care. Enjoy!



Products Mentioned:
* Peach & Ginger Body Wash - Aveeno
* Milk & Coconut Sugar Scrub - J.R. Watkins
* Almond & Coconut Shower Smoothie - LUSH
* Epsom Salt - Dr. Teal's
* Cocoa Butter Lotion - Palmer's
* Tummy Butter - Palmer's
* Body Butter - The Body Shop

Please feel free to share your favorite body care products below!! In the next few weeks I'll be sharing some of my favorite natural face-care products, so be on the lookout! Happy week!

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OH BABY: 2ND TRIMESTER SURVIVAL KIT

It's hard to believe I'm only a handful of days away from being 6 months pregnant! I also can't believe how close I am to reaching my 3rd trimester! Where has the time gone?! This really has been such an adventure and special time of life. Jon is loving the idea of being a dad and often talks to little Soren.We've been working on the nursery and in a few weeks we'll be having our first baby shower! I can't wait!

This trimester certainly has been very different from the 1st one. I've experienced a ton of cravings, back pain, weirdness trying to bend over and put on shoes, Braxton Hicks contractions, and the metamorphosis of my changing body. I shared my 1st trimester survival kit a while ago and wanted to share my 2nd trimester survival items as well.

1// Journal - One of my favorite things to do throughout this pregnancy has been journaling memories, emotions and thoughts. It's been really special to capture these times and try to take in the pregnancy as much as possible. I'm so glad I'll have something to look back on afterwards. :)

2// Fiber - Ok, real talk. During pregnancy your digestion systems S L O W S way down which can cause some serious bathroom issues. It's a real problem, people! Taking extra fiber supplements has been a real help during this time, plus they taste yummy! ;)

3// Body Pillow - I already mentioned body pillows in my 1st trimester guide and in a recent post, but seriously...this pillow has been amazing and I've loved using it every night. It has really helped keep me more comfortable throughout the night and feel supported. Love it!

4// Leggings - Aside from dresses, skirts, and PJs, leggings are up there with one of the most comfortable things to wear during pregnancy. I recently purchased a few funky pairs at Forever21 to pair with tunics and long cardigans and love how they make me feel. Cozy, supported, and still fashionable.

5// Bella Band - This is probably one of the best maternity purchases I've made so far. I LOVE this thing and wear it almost everyday. I still haven't broken down and bought maternity jeans yet, but this band has really made my current jeans work for me. It's super comfortable, supportive and like a nice hug around your tummy. I highly suggest getting one in the early stages of your pregnancy and wearing it throughout. It would even be useful after pregnancy, too!

6// Shower Smoothie - This is probably one of my favorite products from Lush. It smells amazing and feels so luxurious to use. While you're burping up a storm due to your slow digestion and not looking so graceful squatting down to get dressed in the morning, a little luxury is nice! To use a shower smoothie, you rub it all over at the very end of your shower and then rinse it all off. It helps make your skin extra soft and smell good. :)

7// House Shoes - Keep your feet cozy! I love these slipper mocs from Minnetonka.

8// Dry Shampoo - A lifesaver! Sometimes you don't feel like washing your hair and you need a little extra umph. Dry shampoo is a miracle sent from heaven. I love the Batiste and Psssst! brand.

What are/have been some of your 2nd trimester survival must-haves?? :)

OH BABY: DO YOURSELF A FAVOR

Growing a human is hard work. It's an exciting and amazing miracle, but it's no easy task! I've begun to develop a whole new respect and awe for mothers. I think one of the weirdest parts about pregnancy so far is watching my body morph into something completely different. At first it was subtle. A little pooch, a tiny tummy. It was easy to hide and clothe. Then one day I woke up and little Soren was taking over! I have definitely stood in front of the mirror naked and thought...holy cow, Moses! Mind you, I'm only 22 weeks into this pregnancy adventure. What is it they say? The best is yet to come?? Haha. No, I really am excited and having a lot of fun, it has just been so odd/awesome/awkward/amazing experiencing this for the first time. And at the end of all of this, I can't wait to meet my little man, pat his little behind, and sing him to sleep. :)

Along with the quirks of pregnancy, one thing I've really started to notice in the second trimester is difficulty getting cozy. I think one of the most important things during this time is getting good sleep and getting comfortable. Some nights are hard and others are glorious, but I'm serious here...I've LOVED having a pregnancy pillow. I think it's probably one of my favorite "pregnancy survival items". The one I have pictured above is from Bump Nest. It comes in cute patterns, which is a huge perk, and is super soft, an even bigger perk. ;) I've loved cuddling up with it at night and I know it will be super helpful while nursing little Soren in the early hours of the morning. I tend to be an all over sleeper. I love sleeping on my back, stomach and sides so it was a little tricky getting myself to just be on my side, but having a cozy pillow like this was a good way to support myself at night and make it more comfortable to stay on my side. I kinda just want to wrap this massive pillow around my neck like a scarf and take it with me everywhere. Let's be real,  I'm willing to sacrifice a lot at this moment for comfort. ;) 

What are some of your top pregnancy must-haves?? I'll be sharing a full list of my 2nd trimester must-haves soon!! :) 

Pillow courtesy of Bump Next, get $10 off your purchase and FREE shipping by using the code MAIEDAETEN at checkout. Get cozy, people! :)