Good morning and happy Monday!
I just finished up a delicious plate of peanut butter toast, fresh fruit, and a cup of coffee. I’m ready to get this recap posted so I can head out on my walk this afternoon. My goal is to continue walking my 2-3 miles every day, and this warm weather is making it super easy for me! I didn’t do as much walking over the weekend, but I’ll make up for it this week. Leo also makes it tough to skip walks because he follows me around the house with the cutest begging eyes that I cannot say no to.
I finished my second-trimester recap yesterday, and that will go live tomorrow! If there are any questions you’d like me to add in there, make sure to leave them in my comment second on this blog so that I can add them!
On Monday morning, I headed out for a chilly Valentine’s Day walk with Leo and a friend. We did 3.5 miles, and I was so proud of myself for pushing through! Towards the third mile, my bladder feels like it’s going to explode from the pressure, even if I don’t have to pee. My doctor said that was normal and to take it slow or stop and sit if I had to. I have been trying that, and it does work. Our neighborhood has a lot of benches, so I’ll take a quick little five-minute break. My doctor said he was proud of me for continuing the walks and to try to keep them up until my due date! He said it can really help with delivery and complications while pregnant. That was enough motivation for me.
When I got back from my walk, I downed some ice water, fresh fruit, and some leftover deviled eggs from Super Bowl Sunday. I had even more water for lunch with avocado toast and peanut butter banana bites. I don’t go anywhere in the house without this cup! I have been downing 5-8 refills a day. I also bring it to bed with me just in case I wake up thirsty in the middle of the night. I purchased it at my local Target, and I plan to buy a few more.
Since Valentine’s Day was on Monday, I decided to make one of Kyle’s favorite meals for dinner! I wanted to surprise him when he got home, and it was my turn to cook since last year he made one of the best steak dinners. I posted the recipe on my TikTok, but I will do a separate post. The creamy chicken cavatelli was so good and even better as leftovers! Kyle said it was one of the best pasta he’s ever had! It pays off to cook from scratch 😊 The pasta had all of his favorite things, a white sauce, grilled chicken, cavatelli, and cooked spinach. I also picked us up some dessert cookies at Crumbl. We are obsessed with their classic almond pink sugar cookie! Even when they have specialty flavors, the pink one is the best! We usually keep it in the freezer and take bites from it throughout the week.
After dinner, we finished up a few episodes of Love is Blind on Netflix.
I was on a sweet and savory kick Tuesday. For lunch, I had peanut butter toast, avocado toast, and fresh fruit. I spent most of the day filming a few recipes and catching up on blogs.
Leo and I escaped for a 3-mile walk on Tuesday afternoon! It was beautiful outside.
I was so nervous about my glucose test on Wednesday morning. I had so many people messaging me about how the drink made them throw up, it made them incredibly sick, and how easy it was to fail. I did not want to fail because the thought of having GD is scary, and the three-hour glucose test did not sound fun.
You have five minutes to down an 8-ounce sugary glucose drink when you get there. I chose the orange flavor and had so much anxiety about what it would taste like. UM, don’t believe everything you read on the internet (the irony as I type my experience 😆) because the glucose drink was shockingly delicious. Sweet? Yes! But, it was tasty and fruity. I finished it in about 35 seconds.
After the test, I had a quick appointment with the doctor. We checked the baby’s heartbeat, did some measurements, and everything looked great! I had about 35-minutes before my glucose timer went off, so I just sat in the lobby with my AirPods and a podcast. I didn’t experience any of the sick side effects from the glucose, and I felt pretty dang normal! Later, when I got home, I was a little tired, but that could be due to the lack of sleep I had that night.
After the timer goes off, you do a quick blood test, and then you get to go home! I did have Kyle drop me off and pick me up just because so many people told me to have someone else drive. I would have been fine driving, but I guess it’s good to note just in case you don’t react the same.
I got my results back the next day, and I passed! That 24-hours of not knowing whether you failed or passed is the hardest part. The range is 65-139, and I was so nervous about being at 140 and having to take the 3-hour test. Shockingly, my results were at a 62. I tried to read up on why my levels were in the lower range, but I guess that can be normal too.
So if you have the glucose test coming up, DO NOT FEAR IT!
I made fresh fruit, avocado toast, sausage, and eggs for late breakfast. The doctor told me to eat something high in protein, good fats, and complex carbs to prevent sugar crashes. I ended up making delicious sugar-free/low-carb muffins to have for later!
It’s that time of year when I spend time just walking around the house to see what is coming up in the garden! My daffodils and tulips from last year are all making an appearance.
I had more energy later, so I took Leo on a mile walk, and then for dinner, I made a cheese quesadilla with some grapes.
I made another quesadilla for breakfast on Friday, but this one was stuffed with avocado, chicken, and cheddar cheese. I had a mint Larabar and fruit on the side. I met up with my friend, Kelsey, on Friday afternoon for a long walk! We did the greenway and Freedom Park! We went 4-miles (that’s including the walk to the ice cream shop and bakery 😉)
I picked up some weekend treats to have in the house. The oatmeal ginger cookie sandwich was one of the best things I’ve ever had! I plan to grab more this week when I’m in the area. If you live in Charlotte, do yourself a favor and try that cookie! It’s the top three cookies I’ve ever eaten. After the walk, I had a wild berry lavender ice cream scoop from Jeni’s. This was the first trim trying Jeni’s in person! It was so good 😊 The flavor was refreshing and a perfect way to end a long walk. I picked up Chopt for dinner. After the ice cream and cookies, I needed to get some more greens in my life. Here is my go-to order at Chopt. I planted a few more bulbs in some bare spots on Saturday morning. Most of the bulbs sprouted and came up perfectly, but a few were duds. I just pulled them out of the ground and put some mature ones sprouting up.
Tux and Leo love their morning zoomies! He’s the silliest and most playful early in the morning. He runs up and wants to hop and pounce all over. I’ll never get tired of watching him play.
Kyle and I had our 4-hour birthing/newborn class on Saturday morning through our hospital. It was so good and informative! I loved taking a course through the hospital because they share what to expect, give you a tour, and you feel a bit more prepared hearing it come from them because all hospitals do things differently.
After the class, I made some coffee and started reading Lactivate. I have not stopped reading labor and newborn books. I’m obsessed with taking in as much information as I can. This book was so good, and I feel like it had so much information, not the “breastfeeding know it all” type of book. I loved it. I’ll share all of the books I’m reading or have read in my 2nd-trimester recap. I had to pick up more tulips when I saw they were only a dollar at Walmart! One of my favorite things is when the baby kicks and moves around, which is 80% of my day. I can now feel their limbs sweeping across my stomach, and it’s the craziest thing. I love just watching my belly move around from the outside. Pregnancy has been pretty incredible to experience (aside from the first-trimester sickness and awful back pain 😆) I was in the mood to cook up some breakfast on Sunday, so I texted my parents to see if they wanted to come over! I made sweet potato breakfast hash (here’s the recipe! I used real sausage instead of the vegetarian this time) and blueberry muffin crumble cake with a cinnamon r0ll crust! The breakfast was delicious! I may end up making some of that hash again to have as meal prep for the week.
I spent the afternoon putting together a little corner in the house with my hospital bag and some of the things I’ve purchased. Now that everything else is done, my hospital bag is one of the only things left. There are so many amazing resources for what to pack! I’ll share mine in a few weeks.
Around 3:30, I took a deep dive onto the couch and fell asleep for a few hours. I think I’m finally getting back into my sleepy nap moods. I’ve heard that this is to be expected in the third trimester!
We had pizza and watched Love is Blind before heading to bed!
I hope you all had a fantastic week, and thank you so much for stopping by to read! 😊
Questions for you!
- If you did the glucose test, what was your experience like?
- A strange ice cream flavor you’ve tried?
- Did you do anything special for Valentine’s Day?
Amy says
Hi Taralynn! I have a 10 month old. I had gestational diabetes which was diagnosed on a 2 hour test. Everyone is different, but it really wasn’t bad for me at all. The baby liked the high sugar so he was moving a lot. And gestational diabetes isn’t very scary. You just learn to manage it, like anything else! Having it is not something you can really control, I had it despite a normal pre-pregnancy BMI and riding peloton almost every day of my pregnancy.
The best newborn resource I can recommend is Taking Cara Babies. It’s a video series (with a manual that goes along with it) which is all about how to care for babies and establish good sleep habits. Maybe it’s just luck, but using her techniques my son slept through the night at 6 weeks and now at 10 months he sleeps 13 hours at night and naps twice. It was a great resource to learn how to calm babies as well as teach them how to self-soothe. My husband and I watched one video a night for the last few weeks and it really helped us to feel like we had a “plan” when he was born, which appealed to my Type A personality!
I have enjoyed following along your pregnancy journey and wish you a healthy final few weeks!
Taralynn says
Hi, Amy!
I definitely know GD is not something you can control, which I think is why I was even more nervous to test for it. Sounds like you powered through it!
I’ve heard a lot about Taking Cara babies. I’ll definitely look into it.
xo xo thank so much!
Marine says
Hi Taralynn,
I loved this recap post !
1) I actually did the glucose test, not for pregnancy but for a surgery procedure I had to go through. I remember feeling nauseous and dizzy after, and I had to lay on the hospital bed until I felt better ^^
2) I tried avocado flavor once in Italy, and it actually tested very good 🙂 I also tried violet ice cream in the south of France, and I couldn’t recommend it more, it was delicious !
3) For Valentine’s Day, my boyfriend and I choose to have a fancy dinner at home because of all the covid restrictions, and it was perfect ! We picked some really good food at the store, and we cooked together while watching « The handmade tail » ^^ it may not be the « ideal program » for Valentine’s Day, but we are really into that show, so it was pretty nice !
I’m really glad to read that you’re feeling at your best during this third trimester, and I can’t wait to read more about all the « baby things ».
Take care and have a really good day,
Marine
Taralynn says
Hi, Marine!
Thanks so much 😊
It’s crazy how the glucose test affects everyone so differently!
Those actually sound like flavors I’d like! Avocado is so diverse.
That sounds like an amazing and romantic Valentine’s day!! xo
Pamela says
Hope you are having a great day!
1. I had no issues with the glucose test either. I thought it tasted fine too. I did not have GD either. I walked my entire pregnancy and even walked up and down the block while I was in labor to get my contractions regular before going to the hospital. I truly believe all that walking better prepared me for labor and delivery.
2. I have never really tried a crazy flavor of ice cream to be honest. I always stick with my favs, mint chip and PB cup. Also am a fan of Maple Nut.
3. My bf had drill weekend for the Guard, so I put together a “Loving You Makes Perfect SENSE” themed gift and made him a homecooked meal when he got home later that evening. It was a nice, quiet time together. I loved it. Better than dealing with crowded restaurants IMO.
Taralynn says
Hi, Pamela!
I love that and it’s all the motivation I need to keep walking!
You can’t go wrong with maple nut ice cream! 😋
You are so sweet and I bet he appreciated that so much!!
Sarah says
So glad you passed the glucose test! I also had my 28 week glucose test last week and found out today it was normal. The drink tastes like concentrated coolaid. What’s not to like?! Haha This is my second pregnancy and I still get stressed with the test!
Taralynn says
Great job passing!
Andrea says
Hi Taralynn!
I’ve been following you since your old blog but I’ve never commented! I love seeing all your growth and journey through the years. I’m so glad your glucose test went well!
1) I passed mine with my twins but failed with my youngest! It’s stressful, but manageable. I don’t care for the drink but it didn’t make me sick. It’s overly sweet for sure.
2) I’ve had lavender ice cream before and it’s so good! Probably the “strangest” flavor I’ve ever had.
3) It was my husband birthday, so we had a chill night at home. I got home from clinic and we had a nice dinner with the kiddos and had some cake.
Also, I love love your plates! Where are they from?!
Taralynn says
Hi, Andrea!
Thank you so much and thanks for taking the time to comment! 😊
Definitely overly sweet, but was totally expecting a different taste/reaction.
Lavender is definitely a unique flavor but I love when people make it work. Lavender with berries or lemon 😋
Sounds like you had a great Valentine’s Day!
Those plates are from Kirklands 😊
Jenna says
Hi Taralynn,
1. I did the glucose test with my daughter and tried fruit punch. I wouldn’t choose to drink it but it’s a small amount so I just downed it. Thankfully I passed and am hoping for the same results when I have to do it again in a month!
2. It’s not weird but I tried graham cracker once and it’s amazing!!
3. My husband and I roasted a chicken and veggies, I made a chocolate tart and we watched the Olympics while working on a puzzle! It sounds lame but was amazing!
Taralynn says
Hi, Jenna!
Sending you good luck and positive vibes for your next test!
Graham cracker is amazing in ice cream 😋 I used to crumble it up with marshmallows and chocolate chips and add it to the ice cream maker.
ohhhh that sounds like the perfect night and not lame at all!
Kaitlyn Leger says
For my first pregnancy, I passed my one hour. I ended up failing during my second pregnancy and I had to go for the three hour. It really wasn’t bad at all! I had the IV version. I watched a long movie and brought my kindle to keep me occupied during the wait. The nice part was getting a spaghetti and meatball lunch immediately after my test since I was at the hospital and it was already lunch time! I did pass that test, and I had a low 60s number too, go figure!
I can wait to see if you have a boy or a girl!
Taralynn says
I’ve never even heard of the IV version!
Spaghetti and meatballs? sign me up! That sounds so good.
Gosh I cannot wait to find out either and it’s crazy because I have NO sense as to what they are! I know some people just have a feeling but I do not!
Amanda says
Hi Taralynn! Thanks for sharing. Ok this will be nerdy…I’m a librarian. If you’re up for it would you consider posting some sort of list of pregnancy books/resources you’ve read? There are so many out there and it would be super helpful!
I live in Nebraska and work on a campus that has a Dairy Store. The weirdest flavor in there is CORN flavored ice cream!! My coworkers have tried it and loved it. I have not been that brave yet! lol!
For valentines day I made a photo book for my husband. He surprised me with roses and new food processor. For the last 2 or 3 years I’ve been cursing at this little “mini” food processor we had because it’s not big enough to do anything with. lol! I love cooking/baking.
xoxo
-Amanda
Taralynn says
Hi, Amanda!
I’m posting those book recommendations that I’ve read on today’s 2nd trimester recap!
CORN!? But I bet it’s good!!!! Crumbl has a cornbread cookie out right now that im tempted to try. Apparently it’s the best flavor.
That is so cute!!!
Michelle says
I just love reading these recaps of your pregnancy, since it’s been about a year since I first found out I was pregnant with my now 4 month old. I had a fairly easy pregnancy and loved every minute of it! I did just BARELY fail my 1 hour glucose test and the 3 hour was pretty awful. I was jittery, exhausted, and felt sick to my stomach, then came home and slept for 2 hours afterwards. Luckily I passed!
Secondly, I’m a sucker for cute coffee cups and I love all of your flowery ones!
Taralynn says
Ugh, I wish you didn’t have to go through the 3-hour test!! Glad you passed though! ♥️
I have a huge garden coffee cup collection 😂 I get a lot of them at home goods
Lindsay says
You may’ve answered this before, but what kind of bread do you use with your avocado toasts in the pics from this post? (such an exciting time!! congrats on baby coming!!💖💙
Taralynn says
This is the multigrain Daves killer bread! (the yellow bag lol)
Jessie says
Where did you get the round white plates from? I’ve been looking for a set just like this but haven’t even able to find any I like yet!
Taralynn says
The plain white ones are from Pottery Barn.
Anny says
I loved my glucose drink!
Taralynn says
Same lol