I’ve been keeping a secret…
And trust me, it hasn’t been an easy one to keep to myself.
This November, Zach and I are expecting a sweet new addition to our household ❤️
I’m currently 23 weeks pregnant. I’ve been dying to share this with you. I’ve kept everything to myself mostly out of sheer anxiety (even at 23 weeks I feel so grateful to be here but still worry, a lot), so forgive me that it took me so long to share this sweet news with you.
I’ve also been sick. Compared to a lot of morning sickness stories I’ve heard, I honestly think I’ve been pretty lucky, but I had non-stop nausea from 5-15 weeks and some serious food aversions. When you’re a food blogger, that can be a little bit problematic (not to mention not being able to taste-test cookie dough anymore, thank goodness for edible cookie dough!).
Zach and my mom have been lifesavers, helping me with recipe testing and kitchen cleanup, as my productivity in the kitchen took a nosedive.
Fortunately, the morning sickness has almost completely subsided in the second trimester and, aside from some back pain, I don’t have too much to complain about. I do get hangry, though, and have had a lot of crazy-vivid dreams about Zach being really mean to me!
What?! Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s experienced something like this because I’ll admit I’ve spent a few days upset at my actually amazing and very patient husband because of something I’ve dreamt. 🤷🏼♀️
Weird dreams and back aches aside, life right now is hectic and crazy and honestly a little stressful, but I am so, so grateful for all of it.
With just 17 weeks left, there’s still so much to do, and so much to buy! Cribs and adorable itty bitty baby clothes and diapers… I feel over my head reading reviews and my sister is pushing me to finish my registry! Please leave me comments with any and all of your pregnancy/newborn must-haves, I would appreciate it so much. (Like, do I really need a diaper genie? Is there a stroller out there that I could actually love?)
Oh, and are you wondering, boy or girl? We did find out, and I’ll share that with you in the near future, but for now I’m going to keep you guessing…
Thank you for sticking with me through a non-recipe post! If you’re looking for something sweet to snack on I did share a new video today for my Dirty Brownies (one of my early pregnancy cravings).
Karen
Congratulations to you and Zack!!! I wish you all the best with your upcoming special delivery! Enjoy every moment before and after. Time flies, they grow so quickly and before you know it you’re a grandmother then a great grandmother, like me.
Sam
Thank you so much, Karen! I always need a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. 🙂
Sharon Schroeter
Echoing Ricks reply–Babies are one of God’s greatest blessings! I know you & Zach will be wonderful parents, although you may not get lots of sleep the first 6 weeks 😉
My youngest was allergic to disposable diapers and we were given a diaper service for the first few months–what a wonderful gift!
Be sure to get your rest! When the baby sleeps–you sleep!
Love & prayers,
Sharon
Sam
Thank you so much, Sharon! I would love a diaper service! Unfortunately I think my diaper service is going to be named, “Zach.” 😂Don’t tell him. He doesn’t know yet.
Liz Garrett
That is wonderful! Congratulations! And yes, there are others of us out here who have also had such vivid dreams that we wake still feeling the emotions of the dream. LOL. I am very definitely one who has had to apologize for being upset with my husband for something he only did in a dream, not reality!
May God bless your family. 🙂
Sam
Thank you so much, Liz! I am glad I am not the only one with these crazy dreams.
Meg
Congratulations! I love your blog! We have 4 little blessings and my best advice is this…
You won’t “need” as much as you think – white noise machine and a swing can be lifesavers!
The first 2 weeks with baby are always the toughest but just remember – it will get better!
Trust your instincts and take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt! 😉
I’m so excited for you to get to begin this amazing adventure! Best wishes!!!!
Sam
Thank you so much, Meg! I am definitely getting a white noise machine. 🙂
Paul Gaitley
Congratulations to the both of you excellent news
Sam
Thank you so much, Paul! 🙂
Wanda
Congratulations
Sam
Thank you so much, Wanda! 🙂
Mary
Congratulations! It’s a special time in your life, so try to enjoy. I know that’s easier said then done sometimes. One tip…..make food ahead and freeze! Pinterest is a wealth of info, you’ll be so happy you did!!
Sam
Thank you so much, Mary! I haven’t thought about food for myself! O no. That is great advice. I will definitely be freezing meals. 🙂
Faye
Very Sweet! Congratulations!!
Sam
Thank you so much, Faye! 🙂
Katie
Congratulations !!! So so happy for you and Zach!!
Sam
Thank you so much, Katie! 🙂
MrsATB
What a delightful “baking” story! Congratulations on your expected arrival. What a blessing! I vote yes on the diaper genie along with the scented bags. As for baby item must haves, we (my husband) loved the Baby Bjorn carrier and our Peg Perego stroller. We used Consumer Reports for reviews on baby products. Hope this helps! Thanks for sharing your wonderful news! Best Wishes!
Sam
Thank you so much! 🙂
Kerry
Congratulations!! How exciting!
Sam
Thank you so much, Kerry! 🙂
Terri Fagan
Congratulations!!! The dreams get betting and the cravings get worse but we can live with that. Best to you and yours
Sam
Thank you so much, Terri! 🙂
Bitsie
Congratulations! What wonderful news! And keep the sex of your baby to yourselves, it the last greatest surprise that we have on this earth. We didn’t find out ourselves, well not on purpose…no. 2 did a full frontal gig during the anomaly scan and being a long time nurse, I knew what I was seeing. Still, I told no one, not even Daddy. Three babies all grown up, serving their country, but I still remember the joy that Daddy felt announcing the birth and the sex of our babies!! Keep well and look after each other!
Sam
Thank you so much! 🙂
Margie
Congratulations! How exciting! You look so beautiful and are more than half way there! I have five grown children and loved being pregnant and being a Mom! I say that – both boys left me sick for several long months and left me very limited on what I could eat. Don’t worry about your changing hormones, which can get wonky and cause all sorts of issues (including weird dreams that seem so real – but are not). Life changes can make us feel a bit overwhelmed deep down… even in the midst of super excitement and joy. Your sweet and patient husband, Zach, is just that and he loves you and your precious little one! All is well – swat those pesky dreams away like you would a mosquito! Enjoy all the fun changes and think of all the baby things you get to check out! I’m learning about UppaBaby strollers these days – I’ll be a first time grandmother this December! Lord bless you and your sweet family.
P.S. Family heading into town so making the Lemon/Strawberry Layered Angel Food Cake and those worst chocolate chip cookies that last a day! Thank you for that! 🙂
Sam
Thank you so much, Margie! Zach is definitely hanging in there with my mood swings. I’m hoping the dreams stop soon. Congratulations on your new grandchild! I hope everyone loves the desserts. 🙂
Kelly
Congratulations to you and your husband! Waiting for the baby reveal!! All the best and prayers for your sweet growing family:)