Surviving Pregnancy - 2nd Trimester Update

Surviving pregnancy. The first trimester seemed like it went by excruciatingly faster than I had expected. And I say excruciating, because I really struggled getting through the past months. But, here I am! Welcoming my now some what showing baby belly into my second trimester. I want to say I'm completely done with all the nausea, but unfortunately mornings are still pretty rough for me. I no longer can get ready for work in 10-15 minutes because otherwise I end up being on the verge of standing over the toilet wanting to throw up. Movement for me has to be slowed down when I have yet to eat anything. Constant eating also is a must (even when I'm not hungry) otherwise nausea kicks in throughout the day. 

Current cravings:

Soon Do Bu (Korean Soft Tofu Soup)

Bubble Tea

Spicy food in general

Junk Food 

Gummie Bears

Canned Corn 

On the bright side, my energy level has improved and I'm definitely less fatigued these days. I've finally been able to incorporate some fitness 2-4 times a week, my body permitting. My goal is to slowly work my way back into running/jogging, as that is something I really miss. I was able to convince Matt to run the Hot Chocolate 5k this upcoming March, so I'll be training my body for that goal. I am ready to accept that I am more likely not going to be able to run the entire time, but I'd like to at least try my best to. 

I've gained 6lbs over the first trimester. And although that doesn't seem like much, I definitely can see the changes it's made on my body. Do not get me wrong, I absolutely adore my baby bump and love this baby to death, but if I'm being honest - the body changes have definitely affected my self-esteem a little bit. I'm noticing the little things as I continue to grow and have become my own biggest critic. I guess it doesn't help when social media has other pregnant mamas in such great shape, and I'm over here stuffing my face with just about everything lol. 

With my first pregnancy, I went through a really rough time internally, trying to overcome my insecurities as I continued to grow and grow. I allowed it to consume me and stopped taking care of myself (on a fitness level) and pretty much just let myself go. When I found out I was pregnant this time around, I swore to myself no matter how much my insecurities tried to get the best of me, I would not allow it to affect me to the point where I stopped taking care of myself again. Praying for much guidance & gratitude in a God who has helped me build my identity in Him not the physical/worldy things. 

Overall, we are overjoyed with our baby and have been trying to enjoy this pregnancy as much as we can (lots of belly rubbing & kissing lol). 

Best Christmas Gift

I am overjoyed to announce that Matt & I have been blessed to be expecting our first child together, who is expected to arrive in July 2016! 

I can't even begin to explain how difficult it has been to keep this a secret for these past 2 months. The second we found out, we wanted to share it with the whole world but wanted to wait till I got through the first trimester. 

This pregnancy so far has been so different than my first with Rylan. 

During the first trimester I have been experiencing just about every pregnancy symptom a women can go through (morning sickness, fatigue, cramping, back aches, dizziness/light headed, frequent urination, grumpiness, over emotional, bizarre vivid dreams etc). Extreme fatigue and nausea took over my life the entire month of November, Gingerale and ginger chews have become my best friends. 

December has been a slightly better month, however I do have to take it one day at a time. Some mornings I forget I'm even pregnant & other mornings I can barely get up without feeling like I was going to vomit or fall over from feeling faint or dizzy. I've learned through this whole process however that aside from gingerale & ginger chews, eating all the time relieves my nauseousness - which if you ask the 2 ladies I sit next to in my office at work will vouch for how often I'm eating. 

I do have to give my utmost gratitude to my husband for being so patient with me during what probably seems like a roller coaster, as my emotions go through highs and lows. Also, for being so attentive to my needs, wants and cravings. I can only imagine how obnoxious I've been the last few months so having him beside me throughout this new journey in our lives has been beyond wonderful. 

Matt, Rylan and I really cannot wait to meet our newest addition. 

My very so talented brother took some amazing photos to help us announce our pregnancy which I've posted below. We loved so many of them, it was hard to choose just one. 

AND, as an early Christmas present, Matt bought me this rocker/ottoman which I am in love with! I cannot wait to start using it :) 

Thank you Lord for this beautiful gift of new life!

Joy in Giving

Weekends seem to be the busiest times for us. There's always something to do in the Fletcher household and never enough time in the day. 

Matt & I had the most amazing opportunity to volunteer a few hours of our time on Saturday at our church for their Toy Shop event. Having been at North Shore for almost a year now, we were able to be a part of this yearly event where our church partners with local school districts to identity families who need a little extra help during the holiday season. These families are then able to come to our church where we have set up an chance for them to "shop" for their children. 

It was definitely one of the most rewarding things we've done this year, & so great to have done something so great along side our entire church family. We met some amazing parents & felt so humbled and grateful to have been able to dedicate our time to help these families and even pray over them. This is something we definitely want to continue being a part of. 

 What a cute set up! 

 We were able to meet our goal of donating over 3,000 toys. God is so great! 

We love Steve & Kay and our fellow small group couples. Blessed to have these individuals in our lives as we go through marriage and continue strengthening our relationship with Christ. 

Wrapping Presents

I've finally had some time to wrap a few presents and place them under the tree. I'm not sure if it's my OCDness (is that even a word?) or what but I'm very particular about what kind of wrapping paper I like to use and how I wrap my presents. Honestly, I blame it on my mom, I watched her every Christmas growing up intricately wrap presents and like any normal little girl, tried to replicate everything she did. 

Anyway, this year I wanted to do something a little different and I found a few people on pinterest do this with their presents. I absolutely love it because first, it's so simple yet creative and two it's incredibly cheaper than buying all these different wrapping paper, ribbons and bows. 

How are you guys wrapping presents this year?