our empty house {sniff} | my man, yeow! he’s handsome
…have been a real eye opener! I had great plans of being super prepared, no — overly ahead of schedule, for our big cross-country move but then I found out I was pregnant and everything changed. Literally. There were weeks when all I could do was sit up in bed. That was so tiring that I had to lay down. {Yeah, I know. I thought I could *totally* handle being pregnant + working. Snort.} And now our house is either torn up or empty, depending on what room you’re in, and I’m frantically working to get the studio prepped for our move. I remember telling my dad how tired I was feeling while on the phone and you know what he said to me?
He laughed {my dad has the kindest laugh}.
Then he said, “Girl, you don’t know what tired is.”
Ha ha! True.
So all this to say I am over-the-moon in love with this little baby {that is THREE inches long already}. And I need to find a new work routine. Like right now. I’ve already warned Zack about all the topics I want to chat about on our drive to California. We have some business matters to address ;) Like how I can’t do it all but I have been trying to, which is so silly and I know it! And everyone else knows it and supports me asking for help or slowing down except I just can’t… and so I need to work on that.
PS. Four days till take-off!
PPS. If you have any tips on time management//moving//pregnancy exhaustion, leave a comment. I already deleted Twitter + Facebook from my iPhone, so no need to leave advice on that topic…
PPPS. Have you seen the Gussy sale? {Cambria is shipping all products for me while we move.}
xoxo
I’m so excited for all your changes. We moved with a newborn so it’s a plus that you will be all settled in when baby comes! I think removing social media from your phone is great! You won’t get the next several months back. Enjoy every second with you and hubs. Enjoy time to yourself. Do things you want to do like sleep, relax, pedi and mani, MASSAGES (a much in your 3rd). Lots of date nights. These are literally the last few months you have to yourself, life will be crazy and so beautifully rewarding when your sidekick is here!! Praying for your move friend! xo
You have so many exciting things going on! The best advice I can give while you’re pregnant is to take care of yourself! If you’re tired then be sure to get rest :) everything will still be there when you’re feeling up to it & have more energy. You’ll get a huge burst of energy in a few weeks. I know I did once I got into my 2nd trimester. Just be sure to get rest and enjoy time with your hubby. Life will be wonderfully crazy soon :)
We moved with a newborn and my best advice for big life changes with a baby involved (or anything in life with a baby involved) is take it slow. In the beginning, leave yourself 3x more time than what you think you need.
As far as exhaustion, people will tell you to get rest while you can, but we all know you can’t bank naps! Wouldn’t that be awesome?? Instead, just get into the mindset that rest will not be as frequent or refreshing for a long time, but it is such a small sacrifice for such a beautiful babe. When you are up all night after the baby is born, cherish the moments in the dark with your snuggly one. Remind yourself to do that often.
So, I guess my best advice is just learn to love your new normal :)
And, when you figure out a good work routine with a baby, let us know!
Oh also, don’t be too hard on yourself after giving birth. Relax. Learn to be a mommy. It takes quite a while to start feeling comfortable with it. We will all be here when you’re ready :)
Yes! Massages! And warm baths!
Wait it out. :) Expect to sleep 10 hours a night and need an afternoon nap. Take your prenatals when you can stomach them….and if you can’t, take a B complex vitamin by itself…energy. :) Don’t depend on caffeine…you might not be able to drink it later. I started with contractions at 24 weeks….they went away with rest and some MW care….but came to find out whenever I drank caffeine of any sort, I’d dehydrate a bit and start contracting again….so no caffeine. Make sure you’re getting enough water. Seriously, 96-120oz/day. Seems crazy….makes you feel SO much better. Also, protein….even if you have to eat it in ice cream and protein shakes….60-80 grams/day…also makes you feel SO much more human. And less nauseous. Carbs = nausea. Protein = gag going down…but feel so much better after. And rest! Work for an hour….sit down for 20….work for a bit…sit down and snack. Etc. Make a list of five things you need to get done. Just five. When you cross them off….feel accomplished. You’ll get through it and you’ll hopefully get a burst of energy here soon as you get more into the second trimester. HUGS! Pregnancy is HARD….I’ve come to realize that nothing the Lord ever calls me to is EASY…..but worth it and makes me more like Him. More hugs! It’ll all get done…. :)
P.S. – I’m 36.5 weeks preggo now and work 12 hour shifts as an RN full-time….just finished my BSN online, planning a homebirth, hubby’s looking for a job and we are actively house hunting. Happy sigh. It all gets done and I understand. :)
Girl, i could give you TONS of advice about newborns kids and moving while runnig a business, haha. But not sure it’s what you need to hear right now ;) . I would say rest up and try not to stress. You’ve got my email of you want to know more. Praying for you!
Amy@evystree.com
Gussy,
Believe it or not, I started Viva la Violette while I was pregnant! During my first trimester I was absolutely done for and tired out and was going to bed at like 7-8pm every night. And then 2nd trimester hit and I was bursting with energy (and creative ideas!) I think this is pretty common to feel absolutely exhausted and overwhelmed during the first weeks.. and running a full time, work from home business is enough to make a non-pregnant girl crazy tired. Just hang in there friend, things will get easier ;) And.. did I mention how excited I am for you?!?! Ahh!!
We moved at the end of June. I was 37 weeks pregnant with our second, had an 18 month old, and had to stay in our old place with the toddler and no furniture while my hubs moved 2 weeks ahead of us. I slept on an air mattress and just prayed I wouldn’t go into labor while my husband was 10 hours away (and no other family within 3 hours). We survived :) You’ll do great. Let people help when they are able, do as much as you feel up to doing, and enjoy the ride!!
Best advice? Do what’s best for you! Every pregnancy is different and even if someone you knew had no problems with working/moving/being superwoman while pregnant, if you feel like you can’t do something, don’t! And sleep. Lots and lots and LOTS of sleep :)
The first thing that I want to say is congrats!!!
You have such and amazing and exciting road ahead of you! I had to laugh when I read what your dad wrote, because it is so true… when I was pregnant with my first I was tired, but now, 4 years later and with two kids… it’s exhausting, but so very, very worth it!
My advice to you is listen to your body and the little one in you. There will be days when you could take on the world and others when all you can do is sleep, and that’s okay. Enjoy the pregnancy, because it goes by so fast.
I promise you, you will get your energy back and you will also learn how to get by on just a few hours of interrupted sleep. I’m so excited for you!!!
Ah! Time Managerment! I finally (somewhat) conquered it in the last few weeks. There are two main things that account for my new on schedule, not-so-all-over-the-place self.
#1 — TURN OFF email fetching on your iPhone, directions here: http://www.missentrepreneurette.com/2012/07/tutorial-iphone-turn-off-email-fetching-stop-getting-distracted/
You can check it as much as you want by opening the email app, but if you’re like me, it goes off like.. 10x an hour and distracts you. Ever since doing this it’s been freakin’ amazing how productive I am because my phone isn’t beeping every 6 minutes.
#2 The Pomodoro Tehcnique. If you haven’t heard of it, it works like this:
There are five basic steps to implementing the technique:
1. decide on the task to be done
2. set the pomodoro (timer) to 25 minutes
3. work on the task until the timer rings; record with an x
4. take a short break (5 minutes)
5. every four “pomodoros” take a longer break (15–20 minutes)
I don’t always follow it EXACTLY, but it keeps me on task because in that 25 minutes I’m not allowed to stop to do anything else. No randomly going to check bloglovin’, etc. And since it’s only 25 minutes, it’s totally do-able without getting totally distracted.
These two things have literally changed my life. I’m being dramatic, but you get it!
After having four babies I think I know a bit about pregnancy. :) My advice to you is to do whatever you need to do. Follow the lead of your body, be sensitive to what you need at that moment (and it probably will change moment by moment) and enjoy this precious, beautiful time of your life!
First off, so excited for you! Lots going on – but all amazing stuff!
As for the preggo exhaustion. #1 piece of advice would be that if you are feeling tired enough that you are considering taking a nap – stop EVERYTHING and do it. Set an alarm – give yourself 2 hours, get some rest in, and then get back to work (or packing….. or being superwoman). It may *seem* like the nap is a waste of time, etc., but it ISN’T. No way, no how. Your productivity if you don’t take the nap will DEFINITELY suffer, so you may as well give your body what it needs and then get back to taking on the world! I’m 34 weeks with my second, with an almost 2 year old at home and a sewing business to run (and it’s just me), and I am AWFUL at taking this advice…. but I do not have the exhaustion I had with my first son. The whole first trimester (and then a little after that) I seriously HAD to take a nap every afternoon or I couldn’t function. At all.
Hang in there – the second trimester is usually when you have more energy – and then the third hits, and well….. be prepared for another slump! But….. totally worth it (so cliche…. but oh-so-true). You are growing a human being – pretty darned amazing – and your body needs you to help it out a little! :)
Ok this has nothing to do with moving or pregnancy or anything else you asked advice on.. I have to tell you that your Beef Enchilada recipe is the bomb diggity.. OMG I made them tonight and they were a hit and beyond.. Thank you for sharing such an easy recipe..
Blessings, Gweny
P.S. soon we will be neighbors.. hits me up girlfriend.. ha ha
Gussy!! I’m so excited that you are moving to California!! That is so exciting! I actually live about a hour away from you (depending on the traffic, but you will see what I mean when you get here). It would be so amazing to meet you and hang out :) When you are all settled and feeling up to it, maybe I can come to you-to make life a little easier. Have a fun move and safe travels to you, your hubby, and your “little one” :) <3
give yourself grace, allow time for naps, and take it all one day at a time. the GREAT news is the crazy burst of energy and zeal that comes with the second trimester. you’ll be far more productive, trust me. the third trimester you won’t be tired so much as uncomfortable, so let yourself take breaks and rest and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. i am SO excited for you – this is such an exciting time in life!!
Ive been a silent reader for about 6 months now! When my husband and I decided to move to California, we had a 3 month old. I was a stay at home mom, while hubby worked 40+ hours a week. So between keeping up with housework, breastfeeding and packing, I was exhausted by the end of the day. While I was pregnant though, it was so important for me to sit down wherever I was, stop what I was doing and just reflect and pray. I would ask for strength, understanding, courage and a peace. The Lord reminds us that he will not give us anymore than we can handle. He also promises us that he will never leave us. My favorite phrase right now is “Let God and let go!” As a recent transplant to the OC, I hope that SoCal welcomes you as well as they have me! Enjoy your pregnancy! :) God Bless your little growing family! And welcome to THE best place to live! :)
Oh goodness, I feel your pain! I am an Army wife and I was 10 wks pregnant when we had to move from VA to CO this past November and I had EXTREME morning sickness. I literally camped out in our tiny master bathroom with all of our luggage the day the movers were taking all of our stuff. The drive was rough and trying to move into our house was just as bad. Thank goodness my parents came to help out because I wasn’t good for anything. I would stand up and try to help unpack and would have to sit down after a few minutes because I was so tired and not feeling good.
My advice would be- Drink plenty of water and have many snacks throughout the day to help keep your blood sugar up. Obviously, don’t overdue it when it comes to moving things. You have a big job to do baking that little kiddo so you don’t want to wear yourself out too much. Your energy will come back. I unfortunately, had some form of morning sickness my entire pregnancy but once I past that first trimester, I felt so much better and had a lot of energy up until the end. The pains that come with pregnancy are definitely not fun but hopefully with sewing and what not, it won’t bug you too bad.
Good luck with the move and your pregnancy! I was thankful we got to our new house so early so I could get settled and fully prepare for our baby girl’s arrival in May. Get as much rest as you can now! My husband is deployed (and hasn’t met our daughter yet but through Skype) and I am still exhausted and our baby will be 3 mths old Friday. It is tiring but well worth it in the end!
I’ve more recently started following your blog and I am so excited for all the changes that are happening for you. I have a 5 month old and remember early on the complete exhaustion. I would go to work as a teacher’s assistant/ bus driver then come home get comfy and sleep! My husband would get home, cook dinner, we’d eat and then I was always in bed before 8! So I would say remember to rest, I know there is a lot going on, but those around you will be fine with doing a little extra so you and baby don’t burn out!
Water. Water. Water. Don’t forget to exercise, too. A simple 20 minute walk can work wonders, but don’t be afraid to rest later in the day. Make sure you’re excercising through your whole pregnancy. It helps reduce stretch marks, keeps you in shape, and prepares your body for labor. I was walking and stretching as much as I could up until the day my daughter was born (she’s 1 year old TODAY!). My labor was smooth and QUICK, I even surpised my doctor (got to hospital at 6:00 pm, baby was born at 10:50 pm), and I only have 2 super tiny stretch marks ;-)
Like Nicole said…drink lots of water! LOTS OF WATER! Seriously eliminate caffeine too, I know it is hard, but way safer for you and baby, especially at the beginning.
SO excited for you and that baby bump! I’m in my first pregnancy (YAY!) so not super experienced, but I can tell you that first trimester you kind of feel like you are NEVER going to feel like a normal person again, and then second trimester hits and everything is TOTALLY different. I didn’t even feel pregnant for several weeks (except that my clothes didn’t fit), so just hold on a little longer and you’ll feel better. I also find that I need to eat every couple of hours so that I don’t reach a strong hunger point and start to feel bad. Other than that, I think the key is realizing that you might not can do everything you have been doing and be ok with that. Hope everything goes well with the move and that you find a great balance!!
Oooooh girl!
We moved from CA to IL when I was 30 weeks pregnant with my oldest son. The broadest piece of advice I can offer is give yourself grace. It’s ok to declare that you’re too tired… sit and put your feet up. It’s ok for things to take longer than you expected them to. They’ll still be there when you’ve woken up from your nap. It’s ok that you’ll still have boxes in your living room and probably won’t have curtains on the windows and art on the walls by the time your family arrives for the birth of your bundle… Just enlist their help to finish it all. (Many hands make light work!)
If there’s anything I’ve learned about being a parent (and moving BACK to CA with a 2 1/2 year old and a 6 month old) is that your plans are not your own (and neither is your body, or your time in the bathroom… just ask your baby!). God will toss in some unexpected circumstances (for me, it was pregnancy losses and West Nile Virus a week after we arrived in IL @ 31 weeks pregnant!), but if you just buckle up and enjoy the journey, you’ll come out on the other end with lots of stories and photos to share. You’ll be stronger for it too!
Forgot my BEST tip:
As soon as you get there, start looking for mom’s groups! This was truly my saving grace. Check out Meetup.com, MOPs (through local churches), or anything else you can find, and JOIN ONE… even before Baby comes. Attend playdates, nights out, etc. and start building relationships with those gals. They’ll be come your family, and you’ll have a deep support system of women who are going through (or have already gone through) what you’re experiencing.
And as my son’s memory verse this week says, remember that “God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:19)
My best advice…is to just let go. Let go of the little things that even though you feel they are important, really they don’t matter that much when everything is said and done. And, yes, when your 2nd trimester hits it WILL get so much better. Even though I’m pregnant with my 3rd I still wonder if it will ever get better and once the second trimester comes, lo and behold! Also, take advantage of the fact that you aren’t doing all this with a little one (or more) running around…That’s what I think about now, how easy it was to be pregnant with my first even when I did work full time!