Halfway

{me at 18 weeks}

As of yesterday, I'm at 20 weeks, the "halfway" point to 40 weeks.  This paired with the knowledge that we're having a daughter ups the reality of holding a baby in 20 or so weeks.  My husband was so sweet and sent me a surprise bouquet of flowers yesterday with a card that read "20 weeks!!!! Halfway there, Love you!" So thoughtful.

In the meantime, I've been trying to tackle my pregnancy checklist during my Spring break this week.  Thus far, we've registered, begun researching the big items; stroller, crib, and car seat, and signed up for a 6-week childbirth class at the hospital where I'll be delivering.  

In the mean time, I feel like I am slacking on my baby reading.  Aside from baby naming books and the What to Expect When You're Expecting and Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy, I haven't done much baby reading.  

That said, I am very open to suggestions and advice on pretty much anything pregnancy related. Items to register for, books to read/not read, groups to join...

17 comments

Leslie said...

I have no advice, but happy 20 weeks! You are looking fabulous. :)

Sarah Alway said...

I don't know much about pregnancy but you look tiny and fantastic!

molly pinto said...

Aw, Michelle! You look fabulous! Congratulations! And it's a girl!!! Magical. :)

Melanie said...

Aww you look great!! If your looking for a great resourceful blog I would check out A Cup of Jo. She has very real hands on advice & great product recommendations from when she had her first child! =) Happy 20 Weeks!

Ergo - Blog

Deanna Holcomb said...

I have a registry list of my favorite stuff I have given out lots. Let me know if you want it and I can email it to you! So exciting!!:)

Claire {Beaktweets} said...

Dont read What To Expect! It's super negative, in my opinion. I think reading too much can be overwhelming in general. My favorite book for prepping for birth is Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. It's super hippie-crunchy but really empowering. And you look so great!!

Claire {Beaktweets} said...

oh! and an ergo is worth every penny. lots of people use the Bjorn but I found it too be hard on my back. The Ergo is comfortable for as long as you use it. I carried Meredith in in at a year old on serious hikes and for airport travel when she was nearly two.

luke and pamela said...

look into having a mother blessing instead of a shower! or in addition to one!they are mother focused where all the women in your life come together to support you before the birth. also, my favorite book is Great With Child. congratulations! Did you say what your due date is? I think we are around the same - mine is august 23rd. :)

Shannon of HAPPINESS IS said...

No book recommendations, but I just wanted to say how nice it is to see photos of you! You're glowing already. Congrats on the baby girl! :) xo

heather{land} said...

Are you on BI in this picture? It looks like little home neck of the woods!

heather{land} said...

p.s. YAY baby belly!!!

Mary said...

Congratulations and yes you look great!

I agree with Claire - What to Expect.... is not great overall. Also agree about the Bjorn - we had one and never used it. I used a regular sling (Hotsling) and loved it. Several friends loved the Ergo.

My favorite book was Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. Not about pregnancy obviously, but about your baby/child's sleep routines. Not as important the first couple months, but once you start trying to get them on a schedule, I found it extremely helpful.

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

YAY!! You look great!!! I thought Bringing Up Bebe was a great read!

Holly said...

my doctor actually told me to throw away "what to expect.." its fear based. it brings up lots of negativity that you dont need! also, "the girlfriends guide" isnt so great either since there is actually a chapter about condoning not exercising...not great advice. books that i did find truly helpful and enformative were Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, a great informative book that will answer all your pregnancy and beyond questions. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth was amazing. And even though it is really focused on homebirths and I knew I was having a hospital birth, it didnt matter because it made me confident and I learned lots of techinques so I wasnt scared going into it! Another great read is The Nursing Mother's Companion. A great book all about breastfeeding, soooo helpful to have that knowledge before my bf-ing journey began. Good luck!!!

Carrie said...

You can look through my books tomorrow! I have Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, and agree that it's a great book. You can browse my stash, I have quite a few books on pregnancy, birth, and babies!

Katie said...

you look super cute!!

Diana Mieczan said...

Aww..you look so beautiful, sweetie! I am so excited for you:) xoxox