Because every woman’s pregnancy is unique, our Being Pregnant series is a way to share a variety of maternity experiences on the blog.
Today’s mom-to-be is Laurel from A Bubbly Life, a DIY blog that combines all of Laurel’s passions: crafting, thrifting, shopping, cooking, and — of course — drinking wine and bubbly! She promises that all of the crafts on her blog are easy enough to do while enjoying a glass of wine. In fact, she says, “Give me some wine, velcro, double sided tape, and glue, and I can find a way!”
How fun are her DIY Christmas tree pom pom bags and reindeer cake stand?
Already the mom to an adorable toddler, Laurel is now 35 weeks pregnant with her second baby. I’m thrilled to have her on the blog today discussing the highs and lows of her second pregnancy, including her fears about adding another child to the mix. If you have any advice for Laurel (and for me!) on becoming a mom to two kids, please share it below!
Q. Did you always know you wanted to be a mother? How many children did you imagine you’d have?
I always knew I would be a mother… eventually. I imagined 2-3 kids. But I never had any kind of burning desire to be a Mom, I always felt like the odd woman out in that regard. I had a million doubts- my life would be over, I would be a terrible Mom, I might not like my kid, etc, etc… Of course I was wrong about everything, your life is not over, but it is extremely different from the life you led before- in a wonderful way.
Q. When is your due date?
January 21, 2014
Q. Do you know if you’re having a boy or girl? Do you have a gender preference?
We are having our second girl!! Maybe I leaned slightly towards having another girl (I already know what I am doing, sortof…), but I really did not have a preference this time around. I wanted a girl for my first pregnancy because I wanted to honor my Grandmom’s memory, so since I already had a girl, I did not care either way.
Q. Do you have a name picked out? What do you consider when picking a name?
We are 80% sure we have her name. We like names that have a meaning for us and that are unique but not too strange sounding. My firstborn, Kalia, was given a Hawaiian name because she was born in Hawaii, where my husband and I lived for 3.5 years, the longest duty station we lived in during his time in the Army.
Q. How does this pregnancy compare to previous ones?
It is nothing like the first time! For the first 19 weeks, I was very sick, every.single.day and I had no sickness the first time around. I am also much more tired- chasing around an energetic 2 year old all day is much harder when your pregnant.
Q. What’s the best thing about being pregnant this time around?
I was unsure about motherhood the first time around, so I was nervous the entire time. This time I know being a mom is the greatest blessing ever.
Q. What’s the worst thing about being pregnant this time around?
Being sick every day for 19 weeks and the lack of energy. I like to “go go go” and this pregnancy has forced me to take a seat (or nap) more than I like.
Q. Have you had any new or unusual cravings?
I am craving sweets like crazy, which does not sound odd, except it is for me. I do not enjoy sweets; I normally crave salty- like potato chips. The weirdest craving? I just went through two weeks where I had green beans about 10 times… Maybe that will help counteract all the sweets I have been eating?
Q. How do you dress the bump? Has your style changed now that you are pregnant?
Now that it is colder, I live in leggings, long shirts and boots. I love it because I still feel stylish- but really, leggings are as comfy as yoga pants. My everyday look is very different while pregnant; I ultimately dress to be comfortable. When I have to go out and look presentable, I dress more like myself- just much bigger sizes 😉 I love Old Navy skinny maternity jeans, black leggings and statement necklaces.
Q. What are the essentials that have gotten you through the pregnancy so far?
I did not maintain working out with my last pregnancy. This time I have and it makes me feel great- energized, healthy and a boost to my self esteem.
Also, getting a monthly massage for my sciatic nerve pain has been a lifesaver!
Q. What are your biggest fears about becoming a mother to more than one child?
Oh, so many concerns… The main one is how I will be able to give ample attention to both children. I do not want my Kalia to feel left out during the craziness of newborn life. I am open to any and all advice on the jump from one kid to two!!
Thanks, Laurel! If you’d like to share your pregnancy experience on the blog, please send me an email with “Being Pregnant” as the subject.
PS - More pregnancy interviews, featuring Liz from Say Yes to Hoboken, Lexy from A Proper Pinwheel, and Courtney from She Always Loved Larking.
(top 3 images by Taylor Glazner Photography, bottom image by Liora Arianna Photography)
My sons are now 3 years and 10 months old. The baby required so much attention in the early days. I felt guilt for not giving my oldest as much attention as he was used to as an only, particularly when he acted out in jealousy. It was hard to balance, but I tried to make a point to spend uninterrupted play time with him every day.
Now, though, the baby kind of hangs out and tags along while his older brother demands my attention in play. The tables have turned, and I now feel guilty that I’m spending very little 1:1 time with him, talking to him and engaging him like I did when his brother was a baby.
That said, they have started to interact and play together more and more. My youngest may not be learning all of the colors on his ring stacker from me, but he does have the gift of a playmate that doesn’t tire of him.
In short, my advice is that the challenging early days are short lived. When you’re able to come up for air, spend time alone with each child so that they remember how special they are. And that you care means you’re going to do a great job!
Wow, re-reading this now that my second is 16 months is so weird (and cool)! Thank you for this opportunity PJ, it is a great keepsake, I need to print this out!
You’re so welcome! I haven’t done one of these posts in a long time (being pregnant hasn’t been on my mind in, oh, 15 months or so). Do you think I should continue the series?
Definitely! It is almost like guest posting somewhere new, different eyes on the blog? There are some pregnant ladies in the new group we are in!
And selfishly, I now realize it is a great keepsake to have in a baby book. (I dont even have a baby book because I am a slacker… but you know in a box where I keep things for the baby…)