second trimester must haves...

28 weeks down and officially in the 3rd trimester -- so here is my list of second trimester "must-haves" also known as the things that helped me survive the second trimester...

1. Bra extenders - face the facts, your ribcage is going to expand which means not only are your boobs going to get bigger but your entire chest is going to grow -- for me, I bought some bras that were bigger but more than anything these helped me not have to replace my entire "boudoir" [I got a set of three from Target]

2. Cocoa butter - I've been lucky so far with no stretch marks... but honestly, I attribute that to good genetics not cocoa butter [but you never know]. Either way, I've had dry skin throughout the pregnancy so the cocoa butter has definitely helped!

3. Chapstick - not only was my skin super dry but my lips were as chapped as can be so do yourself a favor and grab some chapstick... or if you're super mature like me... strawberry lip smackers!

4. Body Pillow - I don't know why I resisted buying one of these for so long - do yourself a favor and do NOT make the same mistake I did, get one ASAP. It will help your ability to sleep comfortably through the night more than anything else [in my opinion].

5. Heating pad - if you're having back pain... invest in one of these, it will definitely help sooth your aches and pains. I kept one at my desk in my office since that was when my back seemed to bother me the most [sitting at my desk].

6. Maternity leggings - I would live in these if I could!

7. Maternity pants - since you probably can't live in maternity leggings, it's time to throw the towel in on the belly band or the hairband trick and buy yourself some real maternity pants... jeans, khakis, work pants - you want them all. You will not look back. I seriously don't know what I'm going to do when I have to zipper/button my pants again. I have become the epitome of pants laziness.

8. Men's sweat pants - there came a point where my sweatpants just wouldn't cut it... luckily I've converted my husband into a sweatpants wearer [can you believe he didn't own any before we were married?!]... this has definitely come in handy the past two months because I have been wearing them as much as him if not more. I don't know what I'm going to do when I don't fit in his pants anymore... seriously... it's probably going to happen soon!

9. Long maternity tank tops - I wear a maternity tank everyday to work under pretty much every top I own... the extra layer has helped me be able to wear some of my "non-maternity" tops for longer and they're just super comfortable [and make me feel less self-conscious that my tummy is going to poke out from under my shirt at some point throughout the day]

10. FBUs - yes. FBUs.... "full butt underwear," granny panties - call them what you will - trust me, you'll thank me when you make the change. I don't see anything else in my near future, these and these have become my new favorites!

so there you have it. 

basically I like things that smell good and comfy bottoms.

pretty simple.


[[you can find my list of first trimester must haves here!]]