Pregnancy is weird. I’m definitely changing more and more as the days go by.
I’m 23 weeks today and really starting to look big now. Super pregnant. I feel like my bump is a whole other body part. In the morning, it’s manageable, but as soon as I’m upright and gravity allows things to shift, I feel the weight of it. Big time. It’s very much a foreign feeling. I’m unable to sit comfortably on the couch anymore. My bump takes up so much space that the bend of my hips needs to be greater than 90 degrees. Otherwise I’m way too squished. Putting on socks and shoes is a difficult affair and I avoid it as much as possible (if only I could wear Toms to work). I’m sleeping on my side now too. And running has become pretty awkward. I’m sure it’s doable (I know there are plenty of people who run all the way through the nine months) but I’ve basically abandoned jogging for walking now. I tried a mini weight/core routine the other day (a la Jillian Michaels) just to add some diversity. It felt okay, but wasn’t overly strenuous. We will see where workouts go from here…
As far as food goes, my appetite is relatively normal, but the discomfort of eating typical portions is horrible. I get full sooo quickly, which is frustrating for a few reasons. Mostly just because I like food. But the constipation issue is still a huge obstacle for me. Anyway, I have an appointment tomorrow, so I’ll see if my OB has any pearls of wisdom for managing IBS symptoms throughout pregnancy. Water and fiber just ‘aint cutting it.
I’m still doing pretty well at work, thanks to the amazing staff on my unit. Oh, and I finally made the switch to maternity scrubs. They’re not that bad I guess. I love talking about all things pregnancy, and it seems most patients do too, so that’s fun also.
And that’s about it I suppose. 
Here are some random food favorites (many were eaten in two sittings).
Rosemary fried potatoes with eggs. For all the people asking about runny eggs, it’s a risk unless you’re eating pasteurized eggs. But it’s essentially the same risk as when you’re not pregnant. If you can get pasteurized eggs (they’re muy $) then you can enjoy then runny without a worry. Otherwise, eat at your own risk.
Fall produce…
Roasted butternut squash and a quinoa quiche (made in a casserole dish since we go through it so quickly).
Spaghetti squash huevos rancheros. Basically spaghetti squash instead of a tortilla with all the Mexican fixins (salsa, guacamole, eggs).
Kidding! I threw all these guys away. Sad.
Simple desserts like almond butter and medjool dates. Doesn’t get any sweeter.
Smoothies. With as much frozen fruit as I can fit in the blender.
Deconstructed smoothies. Basically soy yogurt, home-made jam and a banana in a bowl. It’s my afternoon snack of choice at the moment.
This is actually Kyle’s parmesan garlic bread, but it was too cute not to share.
Adios!
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Ooh. I really like the idea of a deconstructed smoothie — I love blended smoothies, but I think that it would create such a different taste and texture palette to eat them separately. Might just need to give that a shot this afternoon!
How long are you planning on working the night rotation? A co-worker of mine is going on mat leave in 2 weeks (due date is in less than a month!), and the supervisors had her booked to work a weekend overnight rotation this weekend. Thankfully a generous co-worker switched her for day shifts (I would have, but we work in different areas), but I (like everyone) thought it ridiculous that they weren’t willing to switch up the rotation for her.
next week is my last one on night shift and after that im on days until i go on maternity leave (which will be as close to my due date as possible). theyve been great with my schedule and assignments, so im very lucky. that sounds so sad for your coworker
glad someone was able to help her out.
This is so interesting! I love hearing about pregnancy for some reason. Almond butter and dates is one of my fave desserts too, especially if you cut them in half, slather AB on 1 half and squeeze them together like a sandwich
Hahahaha I love Kyle’s happy face bread!
Awe Kyle’s happy face bread is too cute! Love hearing more about your pregnancy. I’ve read so many pregnant womans blog stating that they aren’t able to eat as much. So sad
tell me about it. even more sad was hearing about so many pregnant women who lose weight in the first trimester due to nausea/lack of appetite/etc. i have only gained weight, but still, its a weird kind of torture to be hungry and feel so uncomfortably full.
haha so glad you threw in the toast at the end. so funny.
Elise! I am a little behind but HUGE CONGRATULATIONS are in order. You and Kyle must be so excited!!!! So happy for you guys. And I’m also now totally fascinated with pregnancy and symptoms and all that fun stuff, so I look forward to reading more about it on your blog!
thanks katie! we are so so thrilled. i know what you mean about pregnancy blogs. i always found them fascinating even when i wasnt thinking about getting pregnant. your trip to woodstock looked awesome btw.
Those taters look delicious!
Glad to hear you are doing well! It’s a long trip but will be over before you know it. Enjoy it as much as possible!
That bread is adorable.
And I want to eat that quinoa casserole this instant. Looks so yummy.
I always love hearing about pregnancy stories! I’m hoping the tummy issues improve for you soon!
The best trick I learned in my pregnancy was to drink apricot juice to keep your system, um, moving. Works like prune juice but actually tastes good. One huge glass a day will make life much better. It’s nor too hard to find the kind without tons of sugar.
off to find apricot juice.
Please tell me about the peanut butter packets and why did you throw them away? What am I missing here?!! Haha.
they were recalled. a bunch of kinds were, including sunbutter and some others sold at target i think? i am sure if you google it you can find the full list.
sorry, not sunbutter, sunland peanut butter.
Oh wow! I did miss that. Good thing you didnt though!
Dude, photos?!? C’mon!!!:)
ha. ok! noted
Have you tried 1-2tsp psyllium husk once or twice a day? It helps me a lot during my pregnancy. I hope it will help you too.
I like the bread with vegetable on top !
Pregnancy is weird! I have days when I’m constantly starving and cannot get full up and days where I’m barely hungry. Haven’t had any issues with constipation yet but I’m getting major acid reflux. Not sure what to do about it as I hate taking meds for it. And everyday my stomach looks different and is getting bigger. It’s mad. And gosh, it’s so easy to gain weight when you’re pregnant! The pounds just pack on. x
Um, we need to see a picture of that 23 week belly.
Go buy some aloe juice. Its kinda thick, best mixed with a bit of juice- once or twice a day and that will get things, ahem, moving for you.
And/or agreed with above psyllium husks.
I wonder if after the pregnancy you will still be eating so many eggs….?
Also already mentioned, but we readers are going to need A LOT more bump pics much more frequently!!!