20 WEEK UPDATE

"Wooahhh, we're halfway there! Woah, livin' on a prayer!" I can't get this song out of my head this week because we are HALFWAY through our pregnancy! I hit the 20 week mark on Monday and we can't even believe we are halfway to meeting our second little princess! I've got a quick little update for you on how things have been going since my last pregnancy post (read here), but FIRST I just have to share what I am learning and how the Lord is continuing to rock my world throughout this pregnancy!

If you read my pregnancy announcement post (here), then you know this pregnancy wasn't a surprise necessarily, but happened a lot faster than we anticipated. I have had many moments in my flesh over the last 20 weeks in thinking I am not prepared for this, but the Lord continues to speak His promise over me: "You are capable because I am capable." I definitely forget that from time to time and have little pity parties over exhaustion or being overwhelmed, but our Father subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) reminds me I can do this. I just so happened to be having a stressful week as I thought of all that needed to be done and once again complaining about my changing body when the Lord NOT so subtly reminded me of His goodness. Miles brought in the mail and the latest issue of "The Magnolia Journal" was in the pile. You all know how obsessed I am with Chip and Jojo (see here) and once again they have rocked my world. On the cover of the magazine was the line "In every season, you are capable." I was in shock and immediately started flipping through it. I got to the article surrounded around that line and saw it was by Joanna Gaines herself. The article was titled "Made For This" (and you should all pick up a copy and read it) and it spoke absolute LIFE into me. At the end of the article she writes, "I am definitely not perfect, but I am willing and capable. And whatever tomorrow may hold, here's what I believe to be true: I am made ready." BOOM. Did I mention how this article had to do with her latest pregnancy/newborn life? Oh Jojo. You just speak to me! ALL this to say, the Lord is chasing after us and making us capable in EVERY season. No matter how unprepared or unable we feel, He gives us all we need in every moment. He is looking to speak to you in all different ways. Maybe it's through His word, through prayers, a close friend, or maybe the next best thing, an article by Joanna Gaines. ;) Whatever it may be, we have to keep our eyes and ears open to what He has to show us. Or else, we may find ourselves missing out or throwing pity parties instead of soaking up His TRUTH and GOODNESS. We are CAPABLE. Let's live like it!

As always, I apologize for the rambling, but I can't help but share! Now on to the update!

Bump:

YOU GUYS. The bump is on the MOVE. Like growing daily. It has popped so much faster this time around. Of course there are things I don't necessarily love (hello love handles), but I couldn't be more thrilled by that growing belly! It used to only be there in the morning, would go away after using the restroom first thing, and then would start to appear again after dinner. But now it is here to stay! I am always so shocked that it's still there after I get up and go to the bathroom in the morning haha. I guess I need to get used to it sticking around and enjoy watching it grow for the next 20 weeks!

Cravings:

Publix chicken tender subs and chicken salad sandwiches. I could eat them all day everyday. BUT I try to limit myself to one a week, ya know, so I don't explode. Ha! ALSO, sweet and salty mixes. Popcorn drizzled with chocolate? Take it away from me! I can't control myself!

Fun Feelings:

I've been feeling her little kicks for a few weeks now and it's the sweetest thing! Miles has felt her a couple of times too and it makes it all the more real to us! She is the most active after lunch and the minute I get in bed at night... here's hoping she's not a night owl! The BEST part is when I'm snuggling with Anniston and I feel her start kicking. Having both of my girls in my arms just makes my heart swell!

NOT so fun feelings:

Oh the not so fun part. I'm not struggling with the nausea I had in the first trimester (thank goodness!), but it hasn't been as smooth as I was hoping it would be. I am pretty much hungry ALL day long, until I eat and then feel overly full and awful after just a few bites. The heartburn is INSANE. I had it with Anniston my last month of pregnancy, but this time it came on pretty early. I pretty much have to eat only bland things if I want to avoid it. Also, the nosebleeds. Say what? The "lucky" few struggle with this while pregnant and I am definitely in that category. They have been in full force the last couple of weeks and I am ready to be done with them! I hate to complain because I know so many people struggle with so much worse, but I want to be real with all of you! Here's hoping I find that "second trimester glow" somewhere in the next few weeks!

Workouts:

Most of my workouts consist of walking or attending classes at True 40. I throw in some jogging on some of our walks, but I can hardly consider it running! I can't wait to get back to that after delivery! I am LOVING my classes at True 40 though! I can still do almost all of the workout, but the instructors are always quick to offer modifications if needed. I'm really hoping all of the lunges and squats help with labor as well. ;) Get a FREE class with code "COURTNEYF" and try it for yourself!

Health:

If you followed along with Anniston's pregnancy/delivery, then you know I struggled with elevated blood pressure and was induced a week early because of it. This time around it has been only slightly elevated and is considered to be in the "safe zone"! They are keeping a close eye on it, but all looks okay so far! 

We had our anatomy scan last week where they look at EVERYTHING in the ultrasound and we are so thankful that she looks perfect! We are continuing to pray for a healthy baby and pregnancy for the second half of pregnancy as well!

We are all getting so excited to meet our girl! I cannot WAIT to see Anniston as a big sister! I'm sure there will be struggles as she gets used to it, but she is such a little mama and LOVES babies so I know she will adore her little sister as well! Thank you all so much for all of your kindness in asking how we are this pregnancy! Even when I'm not feeling my best, we are over the moon and can't wait for December to get here! 

I'll try not to bore you with more pregnancy posts for the next couple of months. ;) But if you ever have any questions, ask away! I love learning from others and would love to help YOU!