Tag / 2nd trimester

by Meagan

23 weeks.

Spring has sprung, but you’d never know it in New York. We received another couple inches of snow yesterday, and I’m still piling on my winter gear. I joke with Jimmy that the weather better warm up soon or I’m moving to CA. I absolutely refuse to buy another coat, and mine are getting mighty tight. Below is a photo of Jackson Square during this morning’s walk to yoga. As much as I complain about the cold, it really was quite beautiful. The photo on the right Jimmy snapped on our way to Trader Joe’s this afternoon (my coat still zips – just barely!).

23weeks_duo

On Thursday I had a second anatomy scan. This time at my new hospital and they had the fancy 4D video equipment. It was really incredible to see our little girl move about in such great detail. She is definitely a squirmy little one. My favorite pic is of her pointing her index finger. Her knuckles are just so tiny and precious.

3D image from our 4D scan on Thursday.

3D image from our 4D scan on Thursday.

Here are a few more from the visit:

22weeks_4dscan_sidebyside

Sending lots of love for the week ahead.
Meagan & Jimmy

by Meagan

22 weeks.

I know I haven’t been the greatest about updating the blog, but it’s been for good reason. I’m two weeks into my new job and keeping plenty busy with the new schedule. I’m loving the company and my team, and it feels great to be back in the swing of things, contributing to something bigger than my latest knitting project ;-). The hardest part so far has been the general tiredness (especially in the afternoon), and the feeling that I’m operating with about 1/3 of my usual brain power. But alas, millions of women work while pregnant so I can’t complain.

22 weeks and counting!

22 weeks and counting!

This isn’t the greatest bumpie photo but I can tell our little one is getting bigger every day. Her movements have become more fluid and graceful. I like to refer to her as my little lava lamp, as that’s what it feels like when she shifts from one side of the womb to the other. I’ve also noticed she gets the hiccups at least a few times a day. Jimmy had the pleasure of seeing them in action last night during our date night marathon of House of Cards.

Later this week I have another detailed anatomy scan. I’ve switched Dr’s so that I can deliver at NYU Langone – a Baby Friendly hospital in Manhattan. I’m feeling great about the decision to switch from Mount Sinai (not a Baby Friendly hospital) and really like my new Ob/Gyn. She has one of the lowest C-Section rates in the city and is a stickler for weight gain (she recommends 20-25 pounds at most). While I know this will be tough to achieve (especially during Girl Scout cookie season), I’m trying my hardest to stay within the range. Thankfully we’re finally seeing signs of spring in the city, so walking to and from work and yoga should help burn a few extra calories!

That’s all from me for now. Hope you are all enjoying the weekend!
Xo, Meagan

by Meagan

Midpoints & New Beginnings.

It’s hard to believe, but I’m officially at the midpoint of pregnancy: 20 weeks. I keep hearing that time slows down as you near your due date, but with spring on the horizon, and so many big things coming the next few months, I feel like it will just fly by.

I’m still feeling great, holding steady with around 12 pounds gained, and I have continued my yoga practice with 3 prenatal classes each week. I really can’t recommend prenatal yoga enough. It’s been wonderful getting to know a diverse group of other pregnant women, and learning new poses and chants to help with laboring.

My energy will be put to the test this week when I begin my new job on Monday. I’m excited to be joining an ed/tech company called Teachers Pay Teachers as the Vice President of Communications. TpT is a marketplace for educators to buy and sell learning materials and has around 3.5 million active users (mostly K-12 public school teachers). Education is something that affects every person on the planet, and I can’t wait to get started and help share the stories of those shaping future generations. That said, it has been a few months since I’ve had to go to an office every day, so it will certainly be an adjustment 😉

20 week bumpie!

20 week bumpie!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend and first week of March!

Meagan

by Meagan

Gender Reveal: It’s a…

It's a girl!

…Girl!

We’re over the moon the share that our little one is a GIRL!! We would have been thrilled either way, but I must admit I’m absolutely tickled pink that it’s a girl. The thought of seeing Jimmy with his little princess just melts my heart, and I can’t wait to dress her in all things delicate and pretty.

My best friend Emily came with me to the ultrasound and despite requests from the technician not to scream, we squealed with delight at the reveal. Jimmy was still in Amsterdam so we live updated him via text as it happened. While I was sad not to have him there, it was wonderful to share this with my best friend. It was a day I will never forget.

Below are a few of the ultrasound scans from the visit. I just love the one of her little foot. So precious.

Our baby girl. GA: 19 weeks.

Our baby girl. GA: 19 weeks.

BabyMJ_18weeks-FOOTedit

Her tiny little foot.

BabyMJ_18weeks-GIRLedit

I confess, I have no idea what they’re pointing at here but I’ll take their word for it. It’s a girl!

by Meagan

19 weeks.

Another week, another bumpie! Here I am at 19 weeks. According to my latest ultrasound, our little one is weighing in around 9oz. I’m keeping active with prenatal yoga and walking as much as possible (which isn’t easy in sub-zero temps!). So far I’ve gained about 11 pounds – plenty for this stage in pregnancy.

19weeks_sidebyside

19 weeks!

Jimmy returns from Amsterdam tonight. I’m very excited to have him home to cook with, walk with, and of course, take bumpies now that I’m actually showing 🙂

Hope you are all staying warm and have a wonderful weekend.
Sending lots of love,
Meagan

by Meagan

Home Sweet Home / 18 Weeks.

After 6 wonderful weeks in Amsterdam, I decided to head back to New York a bit early and jump-start my job search. While sad I’m missing out on a couple weeks in Europe, I’m excited to get going on my next professional endeavor. I’ve been interviewing with companies in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, so with any luck, I’ll have something secured before I begin my third trimester.

Speaking of pregnancy, here I am approaching 18 weeks:

The little one is growing! Here I am at 17.5 weeks.

The little one is growing! (<18 weeks)

Jimmy stayed back in Holland to spend some time with his brother, who will be visiting him from Chicago. It’s not easy being an ocean apart, but thanks to FaceTime and some lingering jet lag, we still get to wake up and go to sleep together.

There’s so much I want to blog about our time in Europe (the food, the flowers, the bikes!), so expect more posts as I sort through photos and thoughts from the journey. I hope you are all happy and healthy (And warmer than we are in NY!).

Love,
Meagan

by Meagan

13 weeks (and so begins the second trimester).

IMG_4139

One of the inspirational signs we came across yesterday. “Catch a dream and nurture it.”

I can’t believe it: The second trimester is here (or almost here, depending on who you ask). While I didn’t experience many of the first trimester woes, I am looking forward to gaining some of my energy back. Taking a nap a day has really cut into my daylight hours 🙂

I decided to take a break from the bumpie this week and instead share an update about our time in Amsterdam. Jimmy and I are 10 days into our 2-month adventure and have truly made this place our home. We spend our free time walking around the city, exploring the side streets, picking up fresh produce at the market, stopping into cafes, and cozying up to our fireplace in the evenings.

Being in a place so modern, yet rich in history has been really wonderful. Yesterday we visited a medieval village in the heart of Amsterdam called Begijnhof. This private courtyard, hidden behind secret entrances, was founded around 1150 as a religious home for women. It is still in use today and provides a serene and peaceful escape from the bustling city.

A row of perfectly manicured houses in Begijnhof.

A row of perfectly manicured houses in Begijnhof.

During the week, Jimmy’s consulting work keeps him busy, giving me time to explore galleries and museums, take knitting classes, and practice yoga. I found the most amazing yoga studio near the Rijksmuseum called Delight Yoga, and can’t wait to sign up for more sessions. The studio is flooded with light, 14-foot ceilings, ornate 17th-century molding, and elegant crystal chandeliers. (I may do a separate post just on this if I get a chance to snap a few photos during my next class.)

Continue reading →