3RD TRIMESTER RECAP — STYLED CHIC

My Third Trimester began right before the christmas holiday.

At this point, I felt like time was passing so quickly. I wanted to make it my priority to slow down, relax, and enjoy the last few months of pregnancy. Slowing down came in the form of being iron deficient. At about 31 weeks I began to feel exhausted and weak in the mornings after only doing the simplest of tasks like brushing my teeth or making breakfast. As you can imagine, showing up to work (walking from the parking garage to my office building left me feeling completely out of breath and almost dizzy. I immediately began iron supplements .

taking it easy + maternity photoshoot

Slowing down meant more time at the nail salon for pedicures, staying off my feet as much as possible and relaxing whenever I could. I had to get special parking arrangements with work as well as work from home a little more. I increased my water even more, indulged in food I loved over the holidays and rested as much as I could as I finished planning my last few months.

I added more items to my baby registry and finalized my venue and vendors for my baby shower. At this point I couldn’t help to start shopping all things baby, so I began ordering a few things off of Amazon. Baby shopping is so much fun! After spending my first couple hundred dollars, I just knew I was going to be THAT new mom…that buys all the latest baby things ☺️

I also booked a much needed hair appointment at the top of the year to not only celebrate 2023, but also in preparation for the exciting events that were planned. It had been a long time since I booked a hair appointment outside of getting my hair braided so I was looking forward to getting my hair blown out and straightened.

At the top of 2023, I had a maternity photoshoot in Maryland. Our photographer was super professional and fully committed to getting the perfect shots. I really enjoyed getting dressed up and capturing the bump!

Afterwards it was only right to have lunch at the National Harbor. Lunch at The Walrus Oyster & Ale House is always a treat. If you’re ever there, the oyster po boy and Caesar salad with clam chowder are great. Always fresh, just be sure to be prepared for a crowd and possible wait.

two baby showers

Honestly, I had the baby shower of my dreams! It was exactly how I envisioned celebrating our first child. I always knew that this moment in time would be special and because I’m super sentimental—I wanted to make each detail memorable. My family and friends really helped shower us with so much love and I am forever grateful for them.

So many of them traveled across the country to not only be present but also contribute in every single way. Being on the other side of the U.S. away from my home state California can feel isolating at times, especially when you don't have much family where you currently reside. I was so easily reminded of the village of people who love and have supported me through each stage in my life. I am also so grateful of our local friends who joined us. We had an amazing time!

My agency at work also put together a beautiful baby shower for me as well! There was food, games of course, and wonderful gifts for our bundle of joy!

BABY CLASSES + BABY NURSERY + LIFE

Once in the last month, the final stretch, we attended a few baby courses provided by the hospital I delivered at and started work on the baby nursery.

My parents made it their duty to totally gut out the last free bedroom we had in the house. For several weekends they drove up to our home, repaired, painted and put together furniture for our dear baby. My Mom washed most of baby’s clothes and we all began transferring all the gifts and gear into her nursery and out of my office space. Things were slowly coming together.

The final weeks had arrived and I was so determined to stay on top of my healthy diet. I had finally reached my stopping point at work and began maternity leave. My support system was showing up for me in the greatest ways and I was anticipating becoming a new mommy. It was a great pregnancy and amazing journey. I look back and feel super blessed.