Family: weeks 15-17
17 week belly pic:
(“Cycling For Two” tank from my friends at For Two Fitness // Shorts c/o Pink Lotus)
Random thoughts and things I’ve noticed:
Choosing names is fun. We have one that we agreed on right away, so if baby is a girl, first name is GTG. Middle names are tough, though! Once again, I like all of the unique ones and Tom tends to go for the more traditional route.
If I start thinking about the fact that this is my last pregnancy (we both agreed that we’d have an equal adult-to-kid ratio), I want to cry. Even with all of the not-so-fun parts (morning sickness, being slightly horrified of getting the baby out all over again, missing wine, etc), it really is incredible. I’m fortunate to have had enjoyable pregnancies so far -which I know isn’t always the case, and feel very thankful- and like being pregnant. There’s something truly magical about having your little one growing inside of you, and not knowing what they’ll look like or who they’ll be, and praying that they’ll be healthy and happy. Thinking about the newborn phase (and intense lack of sleep that comes with it) brings me back to reality.
I sometimes forget that I’m pregnant. Example: when the Pilot’s beer makes googly eyes are me (before I remember, oh yeah you can’t steal a sip like normal), and when I’m rolling around on the floor with Liv and realize I probably shouldn’t do that. There are also the moments where my perception does not meet my reality. After teaching any fitness class, I feel energized and 100% like myself, then I turn the corner and meet belly in the mirror. Oh yeah. Things are not the same up in here.
Not sure about the double stroller. I think instead of getting a double stroller, we’ll get a little kick board-type thing for the Orbit. Liv rarely rides in the stroller, and she’s definitely over her running in the BOB days, so the double-BOB is definitely out. I’ll probably just keep our BOB (my review is here) and take the baby for occasional runs while Liv is at preschool.
The second trimester energy blast is welcomed with open arms. After feeling so lethargic and not productive in the least, it feels really good to WANT to do things again, and to have the energy to do so. I’ve been working on crushing my to-do lists and blasting through work stuff, which I’m going to enjoy until I hit that third trimester slump.
Pregnancy dreams continue to blow my mind. I had one last night that I was delivering in this strange hospital, but got called into the room to sing “Deck the Halls” with a choir while Tom played the piano. I guess watching The Voice before bed got into my brain?
Emotions:
I’ve noticed that I’ve been more much emotional over the past couple of weeks. I’m still in a happy mood, but I cry more easily, sometimes over silly things. We’re still nowhere near the great salad breakdown of 2011, but I’m sure a similar moment is just around the corner.
Cravings:
Refried beans. Give me all those frijoles.
Pizza. Always pizza. And sandwiches/wraps.
Soups. Any soup tastes wonderful, but I especially love chicken and veggie, tortilla, or tomato. I could eat soup and salad for every meal and be happy. At OBistro, I ordered the lobster bisque, not knowing it would be heavy on the dairy, and it ended up being this crazy creamy decadent wonder. It tasted like nacho cheese with lobster in a bowl? I’ve thought about it every day since.
Giant salads with protein, avocado and dressing. The classic never dies.
Chia pudding and goat’s greek yogurt with berries and honey.
Acai bowls! These have always been a favorite, but they’re especially glorious right now.
Same with smoothies. Anything cold tastes delicious. 🙂
(“The Shakira” = berries, acai, honey + peanut butter)
Deli meat (pan-seared to heat) with cheese, mustard and pickles, rolled up. Delicious.
Aversions:
SCALLOPS. I can’t even be near them.
Not too much else. I’m glad my eats have somewhat returned back to normal (you know, minus the new desire to eat melted nacho cheese + lobster). I don’t feel as perpetually starving as I did during the first trimester, which is nice. I just always make sure to have a snack on hand if we end up somewhere and I’m hungry.
Workouts:
I’ve had to make some adjustments in the past couple of weeks as far as weights and intensity go. In orangetheory last week, I spent a lot of the time on the treadmill walking. I still ran for my push paces and sprints, but my base pace was a quick walk with incline. I definitely felt tired that night, so I listened to my body. I told myself to do what I could, and walk when I needed to, and still got an awesome workout. In BODYPUMP, I’ve had to decrease some of my weights. My squat weight is no longer two large plates; it’s one large and one medium. Back weight is the same for now, and triceps and biceps have gone down from one big plate on each side to one medium and one tiny. The good news is that it still feels really great to teach, so fingers crossed I’ll be able to keep up with things.
Belly button status: Liv said, “What is happening to your belly button?” and I told her, “The baby is growing, so my belly is getting bigger, and my belly button is flattening out.” Her response, “Oh, that’s too bad.” haha
Weight gain: 9 lbs
Looking forward to:
Our ultrasound in two weeks! We’ll find out for sure if baby is a boy or girl. I will definitely share the news as soon as we tell the fam.
Kicks and punches. My heart.
Our family-moon to Hawaii! We booked our trip this week and I can’t wait to see Liv’s face at a real luau, as she’s kind of obsessed with hula dancers. We’ll be in West Maui (but will have a rental car) if you have any ideas for that area. Mama’s Fish House and Julia’s Banana Bread are definitely happening. 🙂
xoxo,
Gina
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That’s awesome that you’re enjoying being pregnant so much and that it is going well for you. I’m sure if I were pregnant, I would not like it at all. Anything I can’t control with my body drives me crazy.
You look so good! Also,all of your cravings sound like things my non pregnant self craves right now haha
Since you’re staying on the west side of the island, I’d recommend Star Noodle–right there in Lahaina. I promise it’s amazingggg. Also love Maui Tacos, Aloha Mixed Plate, and Ululani’s for the best shave ice of your life (say yes to the toasted coconut).
Looking good Gina! Glad everything is going well for you.
ahhh!! i’ll put all of those on our list. thank you!! toasted coconut will definitely happen
Choice Health in Lahaina is a life changer. It’s where I first discovered acai bowls, plus they have amazing salads, treats, etc.
amazing! we will definitely check it out!
Your belly button conversation with Liv reminds me of one I had with my own 3 yr old recently. He asked me not long ago what his belly button was for. I told him a cord was there when he was a tiny baby and that it put food in his tummy until he got older. He was happy with that answer and went on his merry little way. Then yesterday, out of nowhere, he pointed to his belly button and said, “Mommy, this is where my charger went when I was a baby”. He associates a cord with a battery charger. Haha
Hi Gina! I’ve been following your blog for about 3 years now. I live on Maui and am happy to hear you are coming here. I hope I run into at Whole Foods so I can say hi! Kaanapali Beach is one of the best family-friendly beaches. It has a long stretch of beach with minimal waves and a bathroom and showers. Leoda’s Pie Shop in Olowalu is one of my favorite places. They have really fresh salads, sandwiches, and awesome pies. And don’t forget to stop by Ono Gelato in Paia (near Mama’s Fish House). The dairy-free double dark chocolate is one of the best things I’ve ever tasted.
I have a question that is off topic but thought I’d ask anyhow. I’ve been going to orange theory for a while now but have trouble finding a shoe that I like that works well for running on treadmill but also gives me the support I need for my ankles in the weight rooms. Do you have any recommendations?
Have a blast in Hawaii! We just took a mini babymoon to Florida for the day. Spent the day visiting state parks and hanging out in a giant natural Spring.
I’d definitely suggest driving the Road to Hana. Start early, though. There is an awesome botanical garden that you drive through along the way. We took a lunch, found a picnic table in the gardens, and were immediately greeted by peacocks that came pretty close to our table. If you don’t mind getting up before the crack of dawn, go up to Haleakala. It is freakishly amazing. You get up there before sunrise, and when the sun comes up, you see that you are actually ABOVE the clouds, looking down on the clouds. Seriously breathtaking! In Paia there is a little restaurant with great macadamia nut pancakes. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name. We stopped there after coming down from Haleakala.
I’m 16 weeks now and have been loving smoothies too! And, YES, the energy burst is amazing! I seriously want to get ALL THE THINGS done before I have zero.
I love your bump!! I remember that salad story! Wow that does not seem like it happened 4 years ago! Time flies!
You’ll have so much fun in Maui! Definitely hit up Roy’s for dinner in Kaanapali, the lava cake is to die for, plus lobster potstickers! Pioneer Inn is great for breakfast in Lahaina, you can eat outside and watch all the cruise ships dock. Coolers is good for breakfast too (in Lahaina). And the old Lahaina Luau is the best around! And definitely do a whale watching or snorkeling boat out, there was one we would do and you got to see spinner Dolphins jumping out of the water and got to snorkel with the fish and turtles, it was amazing! (They have boogie boards with a window on it for Liv)
Since you’re staying in West Maui you HAVE to visit Choice Health!!! They have the best acai bowls on the planet!
happening 🙂 thank you!
Take me back to Maui with you, pleaaaaase.
Definitely stop in at Leoda’s for coconut cream pie. We were in Maui for a week and stopped at Leoda’s at least (at LEAST) five times. The pies are insane. I also recommend taking a trip to the Ali’i Kula Lavender farm—sounds weird, but it was so beautiful (and the lavender scones were delish).
i’m craving pie now like you wouldn’t believe hahah
Your craving will be well taken care of there!
Also, I’m not sure if you’ll be able to get childcare for Liv while you’re there, but the show at Warren and Annabelle’s was probably one of our favorite things that we did on our trip. I think you need to be 21+ (and it definitely wasn’t child appropriate anyway), but it was so, so fun.
Def agree with above -Leoda’s pie shop, Ululani’s, and Star noodle, but I am going to add mala’s Ocean tavern, Sansei (sushi), Flatbread, La provence, and surfing goat dairy. The lavender farm and animal farm would be nice for Liv.
awesome suggestions- i will add them to the list! thank you!!
I LOVE Hawaii! You guys will have a blast! Hubs and I talk about taking a space A flight out there with our little one. Not sure how she’d do on a military plane for that long (8hr flight). I think our stroller days are coming to an end. I had to bribe her the other day with a snack when I wanted to get a run in. Time to start shopping for a treadmill 🙂
gAH!! i can’t wait to see your trip to West Maui!!! We booked out honeymoon there for September! I cannot wait!!!!!!!!!! I’ve never been to Hawaii. Jealous you don’t have to fly from the east coast first before the flight, tho. 😀
you look great! smoothie looks yummy, too.
You’re going to Maui – best babymoon EVER!
I loved the road to Hana, but I know our almost-3-year-old would NOT sit still for it, since so much of it is in the car (driving super slow to, you know, avoid falling off a mountain).
Instead, check out Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. It was my favorite part of our honeymoon – lots of amazing plants to look at, and I’m sure Livi would love it! Best meal we had was at Mala Ocean Tavern, sitting right on the water. Have a great time!
plus, i get super car sick so i think between liv and i, road to hana will prob not happen hahah
so great to hear about the lavender farm! it sounds gorgeous! thank you for the recs 🙂
So happy that you plan to share the sex of the baby w/ us once you find out. 🙂
I’m 30 weeks pregnant with my first and for the last 4 or 5 weeks I have been ALL about smoothies! Almost every day I have to have one! I’m totally good with it though because it’s helped curb some of the cravings for sweets and makes me more feel more confident that I’m getting in the fruits and veggies baby needs. I tend to want to reach for allofthecarbs first :/
Happy to hear you’re having another healthy and enjoyable pregnancy! I’ve read through all of your posts from the first time around and have tried to take a lot of your suggestions to heart throughout mine. I’m pretty positive I’ve had such an easy, pleasant and healthy pregnancy because I’ve stayed active and didn’t drastically change my eating habits. Still getting plenty of carbs and sweets cravings satisfied without completely ditching my “limited processed food” mentality to eating. It really is possible to indulge in moderation and not feel deprived at all during pregnancy. Thanks so much Gina for sharing your very realistic approach to health and fitness 🙂
I hope your family has a great time in Maui…I was married at the Old Lahaina Luau…it was pretty amazing! I second the recommendation for Maui Tacos, we thought it was yummy. Also, we really liked our meal at The Gazebo http://www.yelp.com/biz/gazebo-restaurant-lahaina …We did end up having to wait in line, but it wasn’t bad…and the view and food were worth the short wait. And, me and the hubby love Bubba Gumps, but that’s simply because Seattle doesn’t have one, so it feels like a treat to us! Can I guess the girl name? I think Grace…and please call her Gracie! Livi and Gracie?! It works, right?! 🙂
We did the lavender farm and surfing goat dairy (skip the tour, not informative enough for $12 IMO) but petting goats and goat cheese samples. Also not sure how family friendly the road to Hana is, but it’s a classic. Have fun!
Ahh I went to hawaii for my honeymoon in November! It was incredible.
Once you land in Maui you have to go to Da Kitchen. It’s right by the airport. It’s a local spot and soo delicious:) Also, Ululanis for shaved Ice! The best. And lastly another local spot,
Kihei Cafe for breakfast. We went there most mornings. I hope you guys have an amazing time!
Definitely go to Mala restaurant in Lahaina. It’s amazing! And if you need a sitter we love Sara W through the Happy Kids agency.
Im not pregnant, but I’m 100% craving that smoothie now. Looks SO refreshing!
Ahh so exciting about the Maui baby moon! I’ve vacationed there a few times with my family and absolutely love Maui. 🙂 I don’t have any specific recs, but I know you’ll have a blast!
We just got back from honeymoon on Kauai this morning! We went to Maui a few years ago and loved it so much. If you are looking for a convenient place to grab food after the flight there is a great little market with a salad bar (maybe a hot bar too, can’t remember) close to the airport. It’s called Down to Earth. Enjoy your trip!
Hubs and I just got back from west Maui (Kaanapali Beach area). There are so many awesome places to eat and things to do. Star Noodle is a must, its kinda tucked away in a business park, but so worth it. Best ramen…ever. Also, Lahaina Fish Co. and Kimo’s on Front St. in Lahaina are both great. Kimo’s has an awesome Hula Pie (macadamia nut ice cream + chocolate). I’m sure Livi would love a luau and the Maui Ocean Center is a lot of fun, and kid-friendly, too. Have a great trip!
we will be trying all of these! thank you!!!
You are so lucky you are not having too many aversions. I couldn’t stand the sight, smell, thought, or taste of any chicken, beef, pork, or seafood until well into my 2nd trimester. It made eating a balanced diet out of the question!
Oh how I miss Maui. My husband and I got married there. A couple years later we went back for a babymoon. It’s totally a different experience pregnant; the types of activies we chose were just more subdued but equally enjoyable. Esentially every tourist activity comes with complimentary MaiTais, definitely bummed to miss those. The old Lahaina Luau is a great one, I think it’s more traditional and a lot of people say it’s the best around. We loved the Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt, while it may not be the most traditional it’s super up-beat! For a fairly secluded beach area visit Makena Cove; it’s tiny, and lovely, and serene if you catch it when no one else is there.