Being Pregnant with Amy from Parker Etc.

Because every woman’s pregnancy is unique, our newly launched Being Pregnant series is a way to share a variety of maternity experiences on the blog. Today we’re featuring Amy of Parker Etc, although you may also know her as a founder of Blog Brunch. I had the opportunity to meet Amy at Alt Summit in Salt Lake City this January when she was just barely showing, and let me tell you — she’s just as kick-ass in person as she appears online.

Q. When is your due date?

A. June 15, 2013

Q. Boy or girl?

A. No clue! Figure it will be one or the other, right?

Q. Do you have a name picked out?

A. We have a series of names picked out. Most are family names or they have some sort of meaning for the two of us based on places we’ve been or important people in our lives. It becomes especially hard once you realize how judgemental you are towards names! I think we all are secretly deep down…. it just really comes out once you’re being forced to name a small human!

Q. Is this your first child?

A. Yes!

Q. How has being pregnant compared to what you imagined it might be like?

A. I think people overshare the horror stories of being pregnant; they only really harp on the bad stuff. But what if none of that happens? It didn’t for me. I never got sick, I’ve enjoyed all my favorite foods and never had to buy maternity pants. My hormone levels have stayed relatively stable and the worst part might be my inability to wait to use the restroom. Trust me, let a pregnant person cut you in line for the restroom….. you’ll both be happy you did.

Up until this point, I had only heard how horrible being pregnant is, the weight gain and mood swings and gross stuff I won’t share….. especially in New York City…. it adds a multitude of obstacles. I’m now here to say…. hey, it’s been a blast! It makes my husband nervous how much I’ve loved being pregnant.

Q. What’s the best thing about being pregnant?

A. My newfound Beyonce hair and super nails. Ladies…. if you aren’t already, go get yourself some prenatal vitamins. Even if you don’t want to get knocked up anytime soon….. they do wonders, and I mean wonders, to your hair especially. I hear it falls out after the baby comes, but I’m choosing to ignoring that common statement and just continue tossing my hair in ignorant bliss.

Q. What’s the worst thing about being pregnant?

A. Well, I’ve just hit that point at 37 weeks (at the time this was written) where my feet are getting a bit puffy and, especially with the added humidity as we move into June, they don’t seem to be un-puffing anytime soon. I attempted to wear my oxfords the other day, and well, that didn’t go over so well.

Q. Any cravings?

A. Surprisingly, no. I had some aversions around week 10. I’ve been known for years to chew this one specific type of gum, but once week 10 hit, I couldn’t stand the taste of the gum and needed to spit it out after 30 seconds of chewing. I’ve now slowly moved back into the mint world and will pop Tic Tac’s like it’s my job. Yep, they are still around. Just me and grandmas across the Midwest are keeping that company in business.

Q. How do you dress the bump?

A. Dressing the bump has been one of my favorite things! My style pretty much stayed the same as I learned how to work with what I already owned. I’ve never worn super tight things, so most clothes fit fine until month 6 or 7. I haven’t really bought much in the way of ‘maternity’ specific clothes. I did get a few basic t-shirts and tank tops from H&M Maternity, cause trust me, those are the first things to start riding up your bump and causing a ‘baby doll tee’ look that isn’t attractive.

We obviously all want to buy up every piece ever offered on Hatch, but I’m no millionaire, so those prices just aren’t in my budget. But I do look at their photos for maternity style inspiration and then look for cheaper options to replicate it. Topshop and Asos have great maternity selections. Just be sure they are things you’ll get use of out during pregnancy and possibly after. If not, then just stick with what you have in your closet already.

Q. What are the essentials that have gotten you through the pregnancy so far?

• Twice daily combo of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter and Bio-Oil mixture. It also has turned into my ‘musk’. Those smells linger around you all day!
• Snoogle. Yep, get ready for your husband to be livid over this purchase. Mine refers to it as “The Great Wall of China.”
• A large yoga ball to sit on. Helps with posture and back pains. It will also come in handy post pregnancy to bounce on to soothe the baby, for stretching/exercise and a footrest!
• Spinning. Being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t work out. Keeping active will help keep you feeling like yourself and not sluggish. Obviously, if your doctor doesn’t approve it, then stick to walking. But, spinning is super low impact and a great form of cardio.
• Mani’s/Pedi’s. You will get to a point where reaching your toes is getting a little tricky. Plus, when else can you justify this pampering on the regular? Live it up.
• Protein. Keep your iron levels up with red meat and greens. Low iron levels are common in pregnant women and not fun if they are ignored.
• Fresh green juices. Refreshing and full of nutrients.
• Berries (in-season). Great for antioxidants.
• Greek Yogurt and Cottage Cheese. Yes, I know they are weird consistencies…. but calcium is uber importante for your little one’s bone development and I don’t really dig milk, I’m an almond milk sort of lady.
• KIND Bars. I hide them in every purse pocket for when hunger strikes.

Ed. note: It turns out that baby Anderson did not want to wait until June 15th to make her debut! Miss Parker Mae arrived on Wednesday, and she is simply adorable in the photo Amy posted on Instagram yesterday. Congratulations, mama!

P.S. - If you’d like to share your pregnancy experience, please send me a note with “Being Pregnant” as the subject.

{photo credits: Eric Ryan Anderson & Nate Poekert }