OH BABY!

Oh Baby, perfectly describes my 2nd pregnancy. Its different from my 1st in so many ways. In this post, I want to share some of them with you! 

I've been told several times that each pregnancy is different. That has definitely been the case for me. Being so is the reason why I was convinced I was having a boy. I was extremely tired and lost my appetite my 1st trimester, which was totally opposite with Lilli. I ate regularly and had tons of energy, so much I walked at least a mile a day and went to the gym 3/4 times a week! When my appetite did come back, my cravings were insanely different. I wanted soul food, fried food, and sweets. If you know me personally, this should come as a shock to you lol. I was sure it was a boy that had me this way but obviously I was wrong! It took me sometime to understand that even though I'm having a girl, I couldn't expect this pregnancy to be identical to my last one. Lesson learned.

---

covid-19 hysteria

Can you imagine being pregnant during a pandemic?? Its the most terrifying feeling. Our 'plan' was to start trying to get pregnant January 2020. When we found out we were pregnant February, Covid-19 had started making news headlines around the country. No states were on lock down then however it was only a matter of time before most of the states would be. This had me the most stressed ever. I was consumed with reading about the novel virus and how detrimental to life it could be. When it got to the point quarantined was mandated, I cried so much. My 1st doctor appointment was rescheduled 3 times, and when I could finally go Ryan was not allowed. I couldn't see my family, which my family is everything to me. Honestly I really can't describe the emotion I was feeling. Being pregnant is a time of happiness and joy but with the reality of Covid-19 I wasn't able to feel and express such excitement. I even found myself asking, "should I even be pregnant right now?" Thanks to my loving husband for being my calm through it all...He was my daily reminder that our prayers were answered, we were blessed with our baby and we would take all necessary precautions to be safe during this time.

---

Chasing Lilli...

We decided early on that we wanted Lilli to have a sibling. Giving my age and hers, it was best for us to start trying when we did. We wanted them to be close in age. So here we are, I'm currently 25 weeks due November 3rd. Lilli will be almost 2 1/2. She is aware that a baby is in my stomach and understands that we are going to have a baby soon. We have been explaining what this means for our family and teaching her independence when it comes to a lot of things. I ordered the book 'I'm a Big Sister' that she has fell in love with. Its her nightly ritual. She is excited and eager about being a big sister. However she is a 2 year old, with the typical behavior of a curious toddler thats busy as ever lol. Some days I wake with a burst of energy needed to care for her. Other days I'm extremely tired and just want to relax my day away. Either way caring for a toddler full time you get no days off, pregnant or not. That's a huge distinction from my 1st pregnancy and it makes a big difference. Thankfully Ryan has been working from home since the pandemic and he steps in to help when he can.

---

Whats in a name...?

Being that this is our 2nd girl, we often get asked 'Do you have a name yet?'
Naming Lilli was effortless... Her first and middle is Lillian Lafayette. Lillian is Ryan's late grandmothers first name and Lafayette is not only mine but its my grandmothers middle name that was passed down to me. This time around naming the baby is not as simple...Ryan and I both are in favor of sentimental names for the baby. One suggestion is 'Olivia Ryan.' We adore Olivia, its timeless and beautiful. Being that its a girl and not a boy I wanted to use 'Ryan' to keep it in the family as we have done with Lafayette. Also Ryan has already giving her the nickname 'Livi' that pairs well with 'Lilli' On the other hand, I have thought of 'Stormmie Olivia' or 'Stormmie Ryan'. One of my favorite aunts passed from cancer August 2016, she had no kids but she cared for me like her own. Her name is Stormmie. She is my angel. I think of her often and I know she is in heaven smiling down proud of me growing my own family. How do we choose?  Which do we choose? Hopefully sooner than later we decide.

---

We are so excited for this little baby girl to arrive. She is going to be overly loved by us lol. Even though I was hopeful for a boy this time, I'm anxious to see how raising two girls will be (#GirlMom). As of now, she will complete our family. I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as i enjoyed sharing it!

---

dress details

The ​​White Lace Off Shoulder Maternity dress was gifted by ​​​PinkBlushMaternity 
This brand of maternity dresses are made with love & style. The stretch & support is spectacular!
​Check out their site linked in PINK for more.