My First Pregnancy Must-Haves & Updates

I announced the exciting news on Instagram a few weeks ago, but I finally have a moment to share with all my wonderful House Fur readers that I’m expecting my first baby! The anticipation for September 8, 2024, to arrive is real—I’m thrilled to meet my little one soon! Time is truly flying! This journey is a blessing, and the experience of nurturing a life within me is nothing short of miraculous and beautiful.

I shared a version of this blog post on my photography business blog as well: www.studio29blog.com. 

My Pregnancy Has Been – Dare I Say, A Breeze!?!

Overall my pregnancy has been relatively “a breeze.” I am half-way through and I consistently working out, still working full-time, have a healthy appetite, able to go on long walks with Kenzo, do yard work. Basically, I just have an earlier bedtime!

Pain and discomfort have been really bad on somedays and nearly nonexistent on others. The major pain I do have, is being caused by a sore shoulder/scapula and the return of my hiatal hernia. I will go more into how I am resolving those issues later.

Physically, my only “complaint” is the complete exhaustion I feel after long work days or tough workouts. The exhaustion sometimes carries into the next day – it is unreal! But, I know this is all normal and part of growing a little human inside me.

Emotionally and mentally, however, it has been quite the rollercoaster. From the excitement of finding out I was pregnant to the fear and doubt that crept in during the first trimester, it has been a journey filled with ups and downs.

But as my belly continues to grow and I feel my baby move, all the doubts and fears melt away. It’s an indescribable feeling – knowing that there is a tiny little being growing inside of me.

First Trimester Notes

During my first trimester, I only had one or two days of actual intense nausea. I found that homemade Ginger Shots and Organic Ginger Tea were the cure for that! I also drank a lot of Whole Milk – more than usual.

My go-to snack was Triscuits and Oyster Crackers and you could find me on the couch half asleep nearly every evening weeks 6-14 watching re-runs of Supermarket Sweep.

Mentally and emotionally it has been extremely tough because we lost my beloved Vîk on March 27. I’ve lost pets before, but this one hit me the hardest. I’ve never felt physically pain from sadness before. And it had me in quite a low state of mind that was hard to shake.

I am forever grateful for my loving husband Caleb for helping me on my “really bad days.” I’ve never felt more taken care of than I have during this pregnancy, and adding the grieving of Vík to the mix was a whole new level. A big thank you to all my clients and friends who continued to reach out even weeks after, just to check in on me.

My Pregnancy Must-Haves

• Naval Oranges
• Polaroid Camera
• Organic Ginger Tea
• PACT Organic Cotton Maternity Leggings (My go-to work outfit has been these leggings with a cute oversized turtleneck sweater/sweatshirt)
• Results RNA Glutathione Spray (You can read about Glutathione benefits HERE.)
• Physical Therapy Once A Week with Molly at Breathe in Motion
• Best Nest Wellness Mama Bird Prenatal Vitamin: Vegan Prenatal Vitamins for Women with Methylfolate (Folic Acid)
• Oversized 100% Cotton Pants & Sweat Shirts & Tee Shirts (I’ve been wearing Caleb’s clothes on days I am working from home & to bed)
• YANA Pregnancy Pillow
• Extra Pillows – 100% Organic Cotton w/ Goose Down are my favorite
• Organic Raspberry Tea
• Large Medicine Ball with Exercise Ball Chair Stand Base – I replaced my office chair with this.
• The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Organic Coconut Water

First Trimester Pregnancy Updates & Memories

Notable Updates @ 5-19 Weeks

• We took 2 positive tests on December 29, 2024. I took one in the morning, given our plans for an early New Year’s celebration with our friends Keri and Brad that evening. I rushed and mistakenly assumed it was negative. But later that morning I felt “off” after I had my morning latte. Just a little abnormal tummy pains. Later that day, we were getting ready to go over to the Moore’s house and I looked in the garbage can and saw that the test faintly said, “positive,” so Caleb suggested I take another one, just in case. We were out of tests, so while I was blow drying my hair and such, Caleb went to Walgreens and picked up another pregnancy test. I took it, Caleb set the timer, and 4 minutes later we had another faint positive!! We went to over to our friends house and played it cool. Caleb made me secretive mocktails that evening and the rest is history!
• That morning, we snapped some polaroids to capture the thrill of those positive test results – it was our way of bottling up that first wave of joy and my pre-bump figure. We figured, why not make it a thing So, we decided to take a weekly polaroid, aiming to gather a whole collection of memories from this pregnancy journey.
• At week 6, I had a doctor’s appointment at KindBody (the place we did the initial fertility testing and “Bubble Saline Test” – which I am certain helped us get pregnant!) and we went over all bloodwork lab results and confirmed the pregnancy via an ultra sound!
• We opted out of the genetic testing – no point in stressing over something that is out of my control.
• Nausea is slight, but Ginger Tea is keeping it away! As long as I drink one or two cups a day, I am good to go!
• I am overall feeling and looking completely normal, except for the insane tiredness! Week 11 is when really kicked in and holy cow – the exhaustion is no joke!
• Week 12 – played my last hockey game this weekend and went to the morning Yeti Skate for the last time. Mark my words, I’ll be back in 2025 after Baby Lenhof comes!
• Week 14 we met our OB and I love her so much! We gave her our tentative birth plan and she approved it!
• Weeks 15-19, we finally got to tell all our parents!! Everyone is so excited for us and telling them was so special!

Notable Updates @ 20-21 Weeks

• Thankfully not as tired !! Very happy I’ve been getting back to lifting & workouts with Caleb at the gym. Missing hockey, but making sure to keep my legs as strong as possible so I can get back into it next year!
• I’m also really enjoying long walks – Kenzo has been a good sport!
• Baby Lenhof is looking & sounding perfect according to our anatomy scan last week and my bump has officially joined the party.
• Physical Therapy at Breathe in Motion has been a lifesaver for my sore hiatal hernia, shoulder, hips & giving me back my sleep. I had hernia surgery in October 2020 to remove several umbilical and hiatal hernias but during our workout on Easter morning, my hiatal hernia poked through and it was large and in charge – and very painful. So, I immediately emailed my friend Molly, at Breathe in Motion, and she thankfully got me in that Monday and we got to work!! I signed up for a package and now I see her every Monday. I was noticing relief just after 2 days of seeing her. My sleep was better, I was able to breathe easier, and my shoulder pain had decreased.
• Lime Citrus Recess & Mango Lychee Zyn have been my go-to drinks! Naval Oranges are still my one and only food craving. Cannot complain!
• Swapped out my office chair for a medicine ball a few weeks ago (thanks, Caleb) and that has made my long editing hours behind a computer WAY more tolerable.
• We’ve decided on a nursery color scheme & theme!
• I’m still heavily grieving the loss of my best friend and heading home and being home is the hardest. I really dislike this new normal: looking at the floor beside me and not seeing him, not waking up at night to let him go potty, fill his water bowl for the 18th time or feeling him snuggling up into a teenie circle at my feet, not hearing his howler monkey cry anytime I walk in the door or mention let’s go on a “walk”, making my morning coffee and expecting him to politely scratch at the pantry door requesting his odd, yet most favorite of all time treat, Rachel Ray Soup Bones. I don’t like this new privacy – I miss my Velcro boy. I really wish he was here for our weekly photos and gotten to witness my growing bump & rest his head on baby L.
• We have Baby L’s anatomy scan this Tuesday – we are not going to find out the gender. I’m still completely unaware and have no inkling or intuition. I just know it’s going to love dogs & be a hockey player.
• Caleb felt baby Lenhof moving for the first time on April 24, 2024 @ ~6:30am.
• Naval oranges are still my jam. Also been really enjoying morning smoothies: 2 scoops collagen protein powder, 2tbs organic peanut butter, creatine powder, 1/4 cup organic blueberries (fresh or frozen), one , 1/4 cup vanilla organic grass fed regular yogurt or Greek yogurt.
• I’ve discovered some truly remarkable vintage decorations for the nursery, and I’m thrilled about it. The theme is quite unique – Doggy Mid Century Modern, focusing on advertisements from the 1940s-1970s featuring German Shepherds & Akitas.
• I am rewatching Mad Men from start to finish again for the 8 or 9th time – I can’t remember. But I love realizing certain character development/growth or seeing new things/decor/cars in the scenes that I never noticed before. It’s the perfect show to keep me company whilst I edit photos.
• Baby Lenhof likes music and the sound of Caleb cheering for the Milwaukee Bucks – I never feel more movement than when music is playing or Caleb is cheering.
• Kenzo turns 10 this weekend and I’m really excited for this years birthday theme!

Notable Updates @ 22 Weeks

• Baby Lenhof has been taking all the moisture from my skin and it has been painful and very “snowy.” I’ve been making my own whipped body butter for a few years now because I naturally have very dry skin, but this level of dryness is a whole new level. Even my OB is shocked. BUT! I finally found something that is seeming to help!! Yes, at 22 weeks, a new brand of Beef Tallow has been healing all my cuts, snowy skin, and softening the extreme itchy rough patches!
• I feel incredibly calm! Normally, I’m a highly anxious person, always overthinking, striving to please others, struggling to sleep, and frequently stressed. However, somehow being pregnant has made me super chill about things that would normally have me in a tizzy. This is such a welcome change for both Caleb and myself!
• PT with Molly at Breathe in Motion is still continuing to help me! My hernia is still causing me some discomfort, but it’s no longer as painful and I’m not waking up multiple times in the night because of it! We’ve been working on left shoulder/scapula mobility, easing the scar tissue from my hernia surgery, pelvic floor work, monitoring my diastasis recti and coning*, and strengthening/loosening my hips. *You can read more about coning below.

My Quick Advice for Fellow Expectant Mothers:

You might notice a vertical ridge appearing on your abdomen, particularly when moving from lying or sitting positions, or during certain exercises. If you observe that this ridge becomes more pronounced with specific workouts, consider modifying or avoiding these activities for the time being. Personally, I experience coning when sitting up directly; therefore, it’s crucial for me to roll to my side and use my arms to push myself up.

Notable Updates @ 23 Weeks

• Our weekly polaroid photo tradition continues! I LOVE being able to compare my growing belly week by week! The transformation is a constant reminder of the incredible capabilities of the human body.
• May 12, 2024 I celebrated my first Mother’s Day – not as a just doggy mommy!
• During my OB appointment today, we found out that the baby’s heartbeat is between 135-145 BPM, indicating perfect health!
• As of week 23, I weigh 137.5 pounds. Starting from 122 pounds when we first discovered I was pregnant, I’m pleased with my healthy weight gain for the baby’s sake.
• I’ve resumed adding weight to my deadlifts! After a pause during my first trimester, I’ve cautiously returned to lifting these past few weeks. Initially sticking to just the bar to maintain my form and range of motion, I’ve recently progressed to adding 5 lb plates to the 45 lb bar, and this weekend, I moved up to 10 lb plates. It feels amazing to be progressing!
• Molly, my physical therapist, has designed an outstanding workout plan that targets both upper and lower body muscles. It’s been both fun and challenging, and I’m truly grateful for her expertise!
• On Mother’s Day my Mom asked if we had names picked out, and the answer is yes! We have had the name picked out for awhile and we are so excited about it! We are keeping the name a secret from friends and family members.
• Baby Lenhof is so active! Last night on the couch 4/13 I and pretty sure she/he was giving me feisty punches or little kicks! I could see my belly bulging and it was almost ticklish! I really love how much I can feel him/her now – it is  such a special and bonding experience. It’s delightful to see a baby bump now, unlike before when I just felt like I had a big brunch. haha
• We will photograph our 3rd wedding of the year this weekend! Caleb ordered me some amazing new balance supportive sneakers and I got some compression socks – I am ready to rock!!

Notable Updates @ 24 Weeks

• Baby L loves the far right lower corner and loves to bounce around while I’m on my medicine ball editing photos, watching hockey, and when I’m listening to music or @mindpumpmedia.
• I’m happy to report my vocabulary is back & autocorrect isn’t constantly guessing what I’m trying to say.
• We got most of our Dahlia tubers in the in-ground garden & all the veggies and herbs planted in the raised bed. The Bleeding Hearts and Iris are in bloom!
• Naval orange cravings are subsiding – nothing has replaced it.
• We photographed our third wedding of the 2024 season this past weekend; Friday’s rooftop rehearsal dinner at @ilcervo was excellent – still thinking about the pasta & that dark chocolate shelled tiramisu! ?
• Caleb has been golfing as much as possible & has a handful of golf events/trips planned for this summer. I cannot wait for him to share this passion with our kiddo.
• I’ve been keeping busy w/ portrait & commercial sessions.
• Prenatal workouts have been keeping me feeling strong and energized, even as my bump grows. This week, I returned to barbell squats after using dumbbells for several weeks.
• Molly at @breatheinmotionpt has been a lifesaver & I’m still loving the fun workouts she’s been creating for me! But, the dry needling is what I realllllly look forward too!
• Check out the nursery mood board—I think it’s pawsitively perfect. Cozy, retro haven inspired by our love for GSDs, Akitas, mid-century modern & Mad Men vibes. We have a palette of beiges, grays, warm browns, pops of black – tribute to our beloved late GSD, Vik. I’ve sourced vintage advertisements, drawings, and book pages ranging from the 1930s-70s to create a gallery wall that honors our furry family members. We picked furniture that echos the antique cane dining chairs my parents gave us when Caleb and I moved in together. The nursery is a heartfelt mix of everything we love & a nod to the dogs who’ve brought us so much joy!

What Is Coning During Pregnancy

Coning is what people call it when you see a sort of ridge running down the middle of your belly. It might be a sign of something called abdominal diastasis or diastasis recti (DR). This happens when the connective tissue smack dab in the middle of your abdomen, known as the linea alba, gets stretched out and rips away from your six-pack muscles, aka the rectus abdominis. These muscles cover the front of your belly.

Normally, the linea alba is pretty flexible, letting you twist, bend, and even carry a baby without a hitch. But if it gets too much pressure, it can stretch way too much, kind of like pulling a seam too far apart on a shirt. When the gap in your six-pack hits 2cm, doctors diagnose diastasis recti.

Notable Updates @ 25 Weeks

• Baby L has shifted a little and likes to be right in the middle or hangout on my far right side.
• He/she has been really bouncy in the mornings and I finally got the best video to send to friends & family.
• No new intense craving has replaced naval oranges, but I have been wanting cereal – specifically high fiber bran/quinoa cereal. The kind that is really hitting the spot is @naturespathorganic Heritage Flakes. Looks like rabbit food, tastes amazing.
•  I shared the nursery inspiration mood-board last week and this week we narrowed down the artwork and ordered all the frames. We are doing natural pine wood frames with oversized white matting.
• Caleb and I spent the weekend with the Schulte family in Denver. Congratulations to Harrison—welcome to first grade, buddy!
• The @mkeadmirals are still kicking butt!! They made it to the Western Conference Finals for a rematch with Coachella Valley! Next home game is Tuesday – we will be there!
• I’ve been missing hockey, but my workouts have been keeping me busy, strong, and entertained. I did another week of 85lb dead lifts and 45lb squats. I’ll add more weight to the bar this week.
• I cannot wait to get back on the ice and maybe be evener stronger than I was pre-pregnancy! Molly at Breathe in Motion gave me a new workout this week and it was SO fun! If you’re pregnant, were pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, I highly recommend PT. I’ve been able to keep up with workouts and photo sessions, and I’m pain-free! To put this in perspective, I’ve been photographing weddings/families since high school (2005), and years of shooting (plus hockey injuries) had me in pain for over a decade. Now, I can wash my hair, reach into the fridge, and drive manual cars without pain. It’s a miracle. #nocortisoneneeded
• We made the tastiest high protein pb dark chocolate banana bread. I will share the recipe – but dang – it was SO GOOD! We also made homemade rolls/buns & mayonnaise for the smash burgers on memorial day.
• Our honey bees are thriving! I can’t wait to harvest bee barf in a few months.

26 & 27 Weeks Notable Update

• Baby is moving and grooving! Always super active in the morning and right after dinner, calm when I am working out and taking photos, bouncy when I am in the car driving and singing. Feeling baby L moving around like crazy is my favorite part of the day. I wish I could describe how incredibly awesome it feels to Caleb. It ranges from subtle ripples, like a salmon darting back and forth. Sometimes it’s a gentle nudge, almost ticklish. Other times, it’s a swift kick that makes me jump – it’s my little reminder that, yep, there’s definitely someone in there.
• I started drinking Raspberry Tea. I’ve been drinking Ginger tea my entire pregnancy. Since raspberry tea is known for its ability to tone the uterus and help prepare for labor, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to start incorporating it into my routine as well.
• My appetite hasn’t necessarily increased, but when I do get hungry, it’s like a switch flips and I need to eat right away. I’ve been making sure to have healthy snacks on hand to avoid feeling shaky or dizzy from waiting too long.
• Speaking of food, I made another batch of my favorite dark chocolate banana muffins and they were just as delicious as ever. As for protein, I recently switched from collagen to bone broth based protein and have noticed a difference in how it affects my digestive system. Plus, no bloating!
• Wahoo! Despite the pain and awkward walking/bending (thank goodness for lunges and squats) I had 9 incredible sessions – engagement, newborn, family, commercial, and more families! The warm sunny weather has finally arrived in Wisconsin and I am LOVING it!
• We moved the home gym into the garage! Baby Lenhof’s room is official empty and ready to be cleaned and turned into the cutest baby room!
• I experienced actual pain and it was really hard! it came on really quick and really intense and I couldn’t bend or move well at all without pain shooting up and down around my spine and lower back. I went to PT and found out that my brain had stopped connecting to the muscles and nerves in my pelvis/hips/lower abs. I rested when I could, got some work done with the physical therapist/pelvic floor physician, and finally after a week of uncomfortableness, I can walk normally without my brace or a heating pad!
• Today (the 16th & Day one of third trimester) I’m so relieved to be moving a bit more freely – I celebrated by going to the gym, getting in a great workout & enjoying some time by the pool.
• This week I have a blood draw and then I am doing my diabetes testing at home. It will be a busy week for me and baby L as we enter into my third trimester!

Conclusion

As you can tell, my pregnancy journey has been a mix of emotions and experiences. But through it all, the love and support from my husband, family and friends have made it all worth it. And as I eagerly await the arrival of our little one, I am grateful for every moment and memory that has been made along the way. Here’s to many more milestones and memories in the months to come! Cheers! Thank you for reading my pregnancy update so far, stay tuned for more!