Time just keeps moving right along and I see the third trimester creeping closer. I’ll be 23 weeks tomorrow!
What Fruit are you? A large mango; over 11 inches long and weighing over a pound. She can feel a sense of motion now and is picking up on my mad dance skills to the ABC song. She is also starting to familiarize herself with the world’s loud noises, like Koda’s barks or Hailey’s screaming tantrum at the grocery store.
Due date: May 9, 2014
How far along: 23 weeks; holy moly!
Gender: Sweet baby girl!
Total weight gain/loss: Up 14 lbs. I was up 16 lbs at this point with Hailey, but I feel like my body is starting to try to play catch up. I’m HUNGRY.
Exercise: I’m still really enjoying it! I do best when I can make it to the gym in the morning (we’re talking mid-morning) when my energy is highest.
I’m doing a combo of weights, wogging and the occasional stationary bike. I’m still loving Jess’ prenatal circuits and looking for other sources of prenatal strength to incorporate into my routine. The other day, on a burst of energy, I ran a 5k (on the treadmill) at a 12 minute pace. I was pretty pumped about it, though I felt it in my legs that night.
I think keeping up with strength training, which I didn’t do with Hailey, is making a big difference. I feel strong, which is good since I’m still doing heavy toddler lifting all day long.
Stretch marks: None, but I can feel a growth spurt coming on.
Swelling: None. Sometimes my feet ache from being on them all day and I’ll put on my pro-compression socks. They really help soothe my sore feet!
Maternity clothes: All maternity. I don’t try the other stuff because maternity is so much more comfortable. My awesome mom-in-law came to visit and stocked my closet with Gap maternity workout gear. It feels SO amazing to wear things that fit.
Belly button: In for now. But the top is starting to poke out. It’s weird. I can’t explain it.
Sleep: Sleep is awesome. I’m out by 10 and don’t move until the alarm goes off at 6:15. Two weeks ago I was napping hard, too, for a hour in the afternoon, but those have fallen by the wayside this week.
Food cravings: Protein. I actually crave the texture of steak or shredded chicken to chew on. That is probably a gross way to describe it, but it is what it is. Baby girl wants some meat!
Symptoms: More feelings of stretching and tightness in my abdomen and side. At the doctor, my blood pressure was 100/60 and baby girl’s heart rate was steady in the mid 140’s. My back and feet are tired by the end of the day and I’ve had David start walking on my back already (I sit Indian style, draped over a wall of pillows and he walks his feet up and down- perfect amount of pressure!).
Movement: Yes, movement, but I feel like it’s hit or miss if I notice it. David can feel her kick from the outside, but I feel like Hailey moved more. I’m thinking it’s just because I’m so busy during the day that I don’t get to sit around and focus on her movements.
What I miss: Do I have a problem if I mention wine again? I don’t miss much, but a glass of pinot noir and some sashimi sound pretty fabulous right about now.
What I’m loving: That overall I’m feeling healthy and energetic!
What I’m looking forward to: Putting together Hailey’s big girl room now that the furniture is painted.
Best moment this week: Hailey asking to just rock with me yesterday. We read a ridiculous number of books, then she bear hugged me and her baby sister in my belly, laid her head on my shoulder and we rocked and sang. Have I mentioned that she can melt me into one giant puddle of mush?
Words of wisdom: Give yourself a break when you need it. In a few months, I won’t have the luxury to kick my feet up on a whim!
For fun: 23 weeks with Hailey
Now let’s talk about… baby registries.
Obviously this is our second baby, and a girl at that, so we have most of what we need. There are a few items I want to get new and we planned to buy those ourselves. However, a few (very few) people have asked where I am registered. Well, I’m not and honestly wasn’t planning on it. Plus, I don’t know the etiquette on it.
What do you think…
Is registering for a second baby a good idea or not?
Would you do it?
John J. says
Looking great! Glad you are feeling so good and doing all the things that keep you that way. You are a wonderful role model!
Katiemac says
I know a girl who registered for baby number 2 (a boy this time) and Re-registered for every item but now in blue. New bimbo, new tub, new stroller, new changing pads, new everything! She also had her mom throw her a shower and invited 50 people. In my opinion that is tacky!!!
I like the idea of “sprinkles” to get some items that you need the second time around — new bottles, diapers, soap, onesies, pjs
Katie says
I agree with the “sprinkle” concept- just a fun time with a few girlfriends to celebrate the impending new life and maybe a few small gifts. Every baby deserves a little celebration 😉
I had a friend who registered for her second but it was only to get the “clean up the registry” discount a la BRU or amazon. I thought that was a great idea if you have something larger to buy like a double stroller (she did).
emma @ be mom strong says
Yes, I agree… sprinkles are fun but a full-fledge shower? I always think of S&TC with Carrie and her friend that she always bought “life” gifts for but when she lost her shoes at her party her friend wouldn’t pay for them. So Carrie threw herself a life shower 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, a life shower. I kind of love that idea 😉
And I forgot you get registry coupons later on! Maybe I’ll register and not tell anyone. Mwahaha
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
I love your adorable bump! I’m looking forward to getting beyond the “is she pregnant or just bloated?” stage. 🙂 And you know I’m right with you on the protein cravings. As for registering, I wasn’t planning to as there are only a handful of things we will need, but I could see that it would be helpful for those who want to know what to get you.
Erin says
I love these updates! It almost makes me miss pregnancy:)
I think registering is fine, especially if family and friends want to buy you gifts, and no matter what number baby it is they do. So they may as well get you what you need. However, the registry info should only be given if asked and there should not be a second shower. Whether you call it a sprinkler or a shower having a second one is IMO tacky.
That said, when I had my second I did not register, as we had just about everything we needed.
Marissa says
I was just thinking it seems like baby #1 moved more than baby #2. Then I realized I am so busy during the day chasing around a toddler I am probably not noticing movements as much. The Gap stuff looks so cute!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m almost certain we don’t notice #2’s movements as much because we don’t have time to think about it. It’s crazy how different the second pregnancy is, right??
Cat says
Love the Gap maternity workout clothes! I didn’t realize they had maternity workout clothes.
IMO on registering & baby showers with a 2nd child – I think it’s okay if family & friends want to buy gifts or throw a shower. I just wouldn’t broadcast that I’m registered or register for a lot.
Parita @ myinnershakti says
You look great! Can’t believe you’re 23 weeks along already.
And your rocking moment with Hailey just melted my heart – so sweet!
katie says
I would agree with the earlier commenter saying re-registering for absolutely everything would be tacky. But I don’t think it hurts to do a small registry, because there are people like me who have no idea what a baby wants or needs and no idea what you want or need. Also, my friend Bethany hasn’t eaten red meat in over 10 years, is about to have her first child and was snacking on salami the last time I saw her! It was quite a shock, but so interesting to see what babies want. Give them the protein! And, no shame in wanting wine.
Emily says
I didn’t ‘register’ with #2 but I did put together an Amazon wish list that I sent my parents and in laws asked.
Brenda says
I agree. For some reason it feels less tacky to just have an Amazon wish list available for those who ask. IMO, a registry basically says, “We expect people to buy us all this stuff, but a wish list is more like “Here are things we’d like to have.” It’s a little more casual.
Brittany Dixon says
I wasn’t familiar with Amazon having a wish list- sounds neat! I’ll have to check it out. Thanks! 🙂
Tara says
In bad taste IMO. I didn’t find out the sex of the baby in both of my pregnancies, so we had gender neutral stuff, much more practical. It’s fun to shop after baby arrives anyway.
Jen says
Omg how do you look SO cute? Boys in my neighborhood moo’d at me the other day and that’s exactly what I feel like. So glad you’re feeling well! <3
April says
Seriously??? Mooed at you??? You’re adorable!
Brittany Dixon says
Moo’d? Ridiculous. You are just all (adorable!) baby belly! Tell Wyatt to go get those rascals 😉
Lindsay says
We are planning to do an amazon registry that is mostly for us to keep track of items we would like to purchase for baby #2. Since we were not necessarily planning on having baby #2 and due to our cross country move we got rid of a lot of Edith’s baby items so we actually need a few things. I figure if people ask were we are registered I can guide them to our amazon wishlist/registry.
Jamie says
I’ll be honest, I think it’s in poor taste. Unless there’s a large gap and different father, I’ve never seen showers or registries for second or third babies. People close to you will buy you gifts anyway and can ask around for what you may need : )
Lauren B. says
I have the same coral shirt from the Gap- so cute! I’m exactly 2 months behind you, due July 9th. I’m not planning on registering anywhere, but I am going to make a list of stuff that I need so when/if people ask me, I’m ready with an answer! You’re looking awesome!
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve been thinking of you!! How are you feeling? Well, I hope! I love that we are so close with our second babies 🙂
Heather says
We are soooo close, I am due May 10! It’s been fun following you.
This is my 4th. I have boy, girl, boy, and now girl again. I won’t be having a shower, but I did put together an Amazon wish list in case anybody asks and is really desperate to buy me something. Even though I haven’t saved very much I find that I need less and less with each kid.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh awesome- congrats!! My bro-in-law has 4 kids, boy, girl, boy, girl and it’s amazing. The kids have so much fun together. I’m so excited for you. Hope you are feeling well!
Lizzy says
If it was me, I wouldn’t register. Have you thought about borrowing the items that you want from friends who are out of the baby stage currently? That’s what I’m planning to do.
Brittany Dixon says
That’s a great idea, but most friends I have are having their second right now, too! Haha. Luckily I don’t need much, just a few small items. Great idea though!
Meg says
I’m going to have to agree with most of the commenters above and say that IMO, registering a second time is a little tacky. If you only need a few items, you could mention those to family or close friends who want to purchase something else, but preparing a registry seems a little presumptuous. Friends might feel like if you prepared a registry, they “should” get you something off it.
Regina says
I’m 25w1d with our 2nd babe (both are boys). I wasn’t planning on having a second shower but one of my good friends insisted on throwing us one. It’ll be co-ed just like our first and all kids are welcome so it’ll more so be like a big playdate! Also, a lot of our friends are new mama/dada friends we didn’t have when we were pregnant with #1 so maybe that makes it different? I feel strange either way.
I have a registry for baby #2. With that said, it’s private and really just a place for me to keep track of what I’d like to get and if a friend or family member asks I can easily just send a link. We have pretty much all the clothes, bottles, etc. we need. We purchased a new blanket just for our littlest boy to be just his, as our oldest son had in the hospital and a new coming home outfit. But that’s it. We also stocked up on a few more mattress protectors and sheets and bought a big boy toddler converting crib for our oldest son since he’s almost 17 months and will still be in a crib for awhile after baby #2 is born. The things we need this time are things like a double jogging stroller, a new nursing cover (I lost my first one), etc.
Before getting pregnant with #2 I only planned to have a second shower if it was a girl this time. However, friends and family have minds of their own 🙂 And honestly if anyone thinks it’s tacky, they can choose not to come. I think of it more as a fun time to spend together celebrating the friends and family that’ll welcome this newest little miracle into the world. Every baby deserves that.
Brittany Dixon says
What sweet friends you have! I think that’s great 🙂
Have you chosen a double stroller yet? I need to look into them.
And congrats to you on the sweet boy on the way!!
Regina says
With our oldest son we only had one stroller: The BOB Revolution SE. My husband and I are both runners and big on the outdoors so we wanted a stroller that could keep up with us and allow us to do the things we love as a family. We were really lucky and managed to get our used from a co-worker for $50! We love it! So easy to maneuver and allowed us to train for our first half marathon just 7 months after our son was born. Needless to say our undying love for it and it’s ability to keep us active, and get our son started young on one of our biggest loves, means we’re getting the BOB duallie. I haven’t bit the bullet and bought it brand new yet. The price tag makes me cringe but it is worth every penny. I’m still hoping to find a great deal on Craigslist 🙂
Mrs FF says
You look fantastic. I didn’t register for baby no 1 (because I was on the road a lot and just didn’t have the energy or time to get it done) but it doesn’t mean if I’m having a second one I won’t register. If friends and family have asked for baby registry info I’ll go ahead and register but only give it out if asked and not dole out the info to all and sundry. It helps people who really want to give you something you need and not just items you won’t use. And I think the same goes for a baby shower I wouldn’t request for one but if friends and family decide to have one no big deal.
Heather says
Rather than registering we had a Wish List on Amazon in case family wanted to know what we needed, but really it was more of a place for us to keep track of what we needed and we bought most of it. No second baby shower or anything like that… I personally don’t think having a second baby shower is tacky. If you celebrated the joy and excitement of Baby #1, why wouldn’t it be okay to do the same with Baby #2? That being said, no one offered to throw us a baby shower, but we didn’t expect one either even though our first kid was a boy and this one was a girl so we did need a few different items. 😉
Beth says
I am glad you asked this question! We just found out we are having a boy, but I really don’t want to have a showeror register for a second baby. After reading some of the above comments, I think an Amazon wish list is a great idea! It doesn’t force people to buy from a specific place, but can give them ideas if they want to get you something. I know there are some things I want that I did not have with Claire (like a lightweight aluminum stroller frame for the bucket carseat) and Amazon would be a good place to keep track of what we want/need.
Brittany Dixon says
Ahhh!! A boy!! Congrats to you and Ben!! <3
Yes, I agree, the Amazon wish list sounds pretty cool 🙂
Paulina says
I don’t know about with registries for second babies. I think they’re fine if there are several years between kids and the parents have already gotten rid of all the baby stuff, but otherwise, it seems tacky. I like the idea of an Amazon wish list though. It’s a good place to keep track of what I might want but not necessarily need.
We’re also having another girl (due in 2 days!!!omg!) and we’re reusing everything from my 2 year old. This baby has a couple of new blankets, 3 or 4 newborn outfits, and a new boppy cover, everything else is hand-me-downs. I can’t really think of what else I’d need to buy new, maybe a new baby monitor with two cameras? We’re just going to wait til baby is born and see.
Brittany Dixon says
I can’t believe you are due tomorrow!! Are you anxious? Any labor signs? Oh my goodness, I’m so excited for you!!
Ancy says
We are due the same day!! 🙂 And we are both having baby girls. But you are doing SOOO much better in your pregnacy- eating and staying healthy! Good for you mama!!
Brittany Dixon says
Due dates buddies- AWESOME! I hope you are feeling well, too!!
Christina says
I think registering for a second baby is a little tacky. In my opinion, something about a registry makes it seem like a gift is expected. I do like the idea of a Wish List on Amazon – that way, if people ask you specifically for ideas, you can point them to the wish list.
Ali says
I didn’t think people registered for a second baby, but maybe I’m behind the times!
Jenny says
If people are asking about a registry, I say go for it, especially since there was stuff you want anyway. When people ask, you’ll have the info to give them 🙂
I love all your pregnancy updates and I love that you love being pregnant. I LOVED my pregnancy too. I always feel bad when women have a miserable time.
Tiffany says
I actually JUST created a baby registry for baby #2 (I’m 30 wks now)…not for others, but for myself to keep track of what we need and to get the coupons! We aren’t expecting anyone to buy us anything and we are not having a shower, but there are a few things we need even though we’re having the same gender for #2 (new pacis, breastfeeding stuff like breastmilk storage bags, nursing pads, etc, 2nd diaper pail, 2nd sound machine, DIAPERS!).
If people ask me about what we need, I suppose I may send them there, but we really do plan on buying it all ourselves so I kinda hope no one even sees it!
Al says
I have heard of showers or sprinkles when you are having a different gender or when you have an unexpected arrival and have given away or sold all your baby stuff. For you, already having a girl, maybe something like an amazon wish list.
Or just keep a list of things you will need/want that you didn’t have before or that you need more or new of and then when your mom asks or MIL you can choose a price appropriate item off your list to request from them. That’s what I did. Only a handful of ppl asked – grandparents, aunt/uncle couple, and 2 very close friends. My work wanted to throw me a shower and I accepted but asked only for wipes and diapers, (diapy & wipy shower) etc – consumables you could say….
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Registry are hard…especially since it’s a girl again. My friend is register for her 2nd baby right now but this time it’s a boy so there’s some different things and things she wants she didn’t have with Kylie. I think that it’s okay, but honestly Amazon Wishlists are awesome because you can put stuff in there online and then if someone asks you if you need something you could direct them to that. But, lots of people have second showers, and if you have that then I think people would want to bring a gift.
julia says
i’d say don’t do a registry. let people buy you what they want. you can always exchange it if you really don’t need it/want it.
jodi says
Tough one, with Avery, I registered and was lucky to have three baby showers! With Emmy, I did not register and did not have any baby showers. I love the idea of a sprinkle. Just something simple to celebrate the baby! (honestly, I would have loved a sprinkle…;) Not that second, third, fourth… babies aren’t as exciting, but it just seems everyone is so excited about the first and after that, they are excited, but not as over the moon. Maybe that was just my experience! I found myself just buying what we needed and then any gifts we received were totally appreciated, but not expected. I like the idea of a registry if you want to get the discount, that’s an idea. Especially afterwards at BBRus, you get everything at 10 or 20% discount that’s left on your registry! So go for it, heck register for things that you need to pick up for Hailey!! ha ha!!
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes says
I love that we are only 2 weeks apart! You look fabulous! I’m definitely stealing your ideas of having Joe walk on my back, Gap maternity workout wear, and the snoogle 😉 Thank you!!!
Ashley says
I LOVE your blog! Congratulations on 23 weeks. I’m so excited for you. I love that baby girls hearbeat was in the 140s…..We don’t know the sex and ours has consistently been in the high 140s. Gives me some hope it could be a girl ;). Yes, my doctor says the wives tales are all ridiculous.
In my opinion (not an expert at all) I would not register. I feel that the shower and registries are for first babies but that is just my opinion. I do think you should be celebrated though! I’ve been to several parties for 2nd babies. I even threw one last dec at a restaurant for brunch with just us girlfriends. We all gave her boy gifts b/c baby number #1 was a girl & #2 was a boy. Last summer I went to Pedicures and lunch for another friend where it was a diaper party but I couldn’t bring myself to buy diapers and got her a Nordstrom gift card. That party was for a second girl.
I like the idea of an Amazon wish list. Whatever you decide there is absolutely NO judgement on my part…it’s totally a personsal choice. You are fabulous. Plain and simple!
Keep up your workouts! You are doing great. I’m 30 weeks now and still loving my boot camp. Love following your journey and can’t wait until we can both enjoy a glass of wine for me it will be a Cab though 🙂 and trade your sushi for a triple americano and it’s a date! Have a great afternoon.
PS I Love your organization. I’ve been working on that too but you are kicking my booty. Keep it up. Cheers from Seattle
Brittany Dixon says
Oh, I’d happily sip on a cab with you; I’m not picky 😉 And high five to you for sticking with your boot camp- that sounds intense. I’m impressed!!
You are in the home stretch- awesome! I take it you are waiting to find out the sex at birth? I think that’s amazing! I’m excited for you!
Beth Jamieson says
Like you I am craving steak! (I’ll be 22 weeks tomorrow) how do you order it at restaursnts? I miss my med rare steak. I have only been preparing it at home because I am nervous about ordering it out.
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve only had it out once thus far and I’ll admit… I got it medium(my fav is medium rare). I just can’t bring myself to order a well-done steak! I’m usually a stickler for rules, but my taste buds totally won out in this situation.
Avery @ YoungAspirations says
No worries – wine is pretty high on my “things I’m missing” list too. It was only a periodic thing for me so I had no idea I’d miss it so much! As for registering I suppose it depends on how much you need. Since baby is a girl, if it’s just a few things and you can afford the new items I wouldn’t think one is necessary. Maybe if someone offers you could do the whole “sprinkle” idea and just invite a few friends? Or if there’s a few people who really just want to get you things you could always do an amazon registry or something and just let those few people know you’ve registered for a couple items if they’re interested! I think this issue is different for everyone depending on kids, genders and budgets! Good luck! 🙂
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
Looking good mama! I am not going to register this time around because my children will only be like 17 months apart in age. Even though I’ll have a boy and a girl, I still feel like I could use most of the major things that I’d register for again. And luckily, my sister plans on handing me down a lot of the clothes that her twin girls wore! 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Hooray for hand-me-downs! A good friend dropped off a bunch of clothes (since H and baby girl will be opposite seasons) and I am so grateful!!
Jess @ Blonde Ponytail says
You look absolutely gorgeous!! Love it! You almost make me miss my bump! I craved protein in the first trimester!
April says
Can I borrow your MIL next time I’m pregnant?! 😉
I registered for baby #2, which was a girl (baby #1 is a boy), and had a smaller, more intimate shower/sprinkle. Had she been a boy, I probably would have done the same thing.
Love that pink top you’re wearing!
Chantal says
Wow! Can’t believe you’re already 23 weeks.
As for showers… Most of my friends, with their second, just asked for diapers and wipes. One friend had a party because she didn’t have one with her first, but it was small and we got her small things, she didn’t have a registry.
jenn says
I don’t see anything wrong with registering. I registered for all 3 because even if you don’t have a shower, you get the coupons which I used to buy the stuff I needed. I also don’t see anything wrong with a shower, but where I live most people have showers for all their babies.
Brittany Dixon says
I totally forgot about the coupons- BRILLIANT.
Katie Bearden says
I’m 20 weeks pregnant with my second boy! My mil is throwing me a sprinkle since we don’t need a lot but it’s still fun to celebrate! And diapers always help!
This is kinda off topic, but did you read any helpful books on breast feeding ? Or websites? I had a horrible birth experience when I developed hellp syndrome with my son and didn’t nurse.
This time I want everything to be different and am going to nurse. They have classes at my doctor but they are fifty dollars a person!
Thanks so much!
Katie
char eats greens says
I doubt I would just because aren’t baby registries more so for parents starting out?!? I wonder if people are asking to be nice? But on the other side, I don’t think it’s the worst thing to happen if you did create one. How about that for a straightforward answer 😉
kristi says
Skip the registry. Close family and friends will give gifts anyway and since you don’t actually NEED anything it will be more fun to see what they pick out!