Second Trimester Shenanigans: From Cravings to Kicks, And What We Really Learned

Now that the second trimester has come to an end, it’s time to reflect on what we’ve learned through this exciting chapter. From navigating those midnight cravings to enjoying the thrill of feeling our baby’s first kicks, this period has been a whirlwind of new experiences. Join us as we dive into the highlights and insights from our journey through the second trimester.

Cravings and Culinary Adventures: Midnight Snacks and Unexpected Taste Buds

Pregnancy cravings have turned me into a late-night snack enthusiast, especially for sweet treats like Milky Way bars. This sweet tooth had me convinced early on that we were having a girl, according to that old wives' tale.

Then, out of nowhere, I developed an intense craving for a specific kind of Mexican candy—a type of treat I normally wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole due to my Danish taste buds’ aversion to the ever-present chili. Yet, there I was, obsessively searching for this candy… After an exhaustive hunt, we finally found it at Dulceria (candy store).

Just as Sami, visibly exhausted from our search, was ready to head home, my eyes locked onto a lollipop that seemed to call to me with a force I can only describe as divine intervention. Sami, eager to leave, nearly dragged me out, but the lollipop’s allure was too strong. I left the store empty-handed but couldn’t shake the craving, which only grew more intense over the following days.

Feeling both silly and determined, I finally confessed my craving to Sami. His reaction? Hilarious laughter, a story shared with his family, and an “emergency run” to the Dulceria. I devoured an entire bag of lollipops in two days, savoring every bite.

And yes, I’ve made peace with my daily cup of coffee. Despite initial advice from “the internet” to avoid caffeine, I’ve found that a small amount keeps me sane and prevents Sami from dealing with the grumpy version of me. Sami’s come to appreciate that a happy wife means a happy life—and a happy baby. Balancing indulgence with nutrition has been our secret to navigating this flavorful pregnancy adventure.

The Kick Countdown: The Joy and Surprise of Feeling Baby’s First Movements

After navigating the flavor-packed adventure of pregnancy cravings, the second trimester delivered another thrilling milestone: feeling our baby’s first movements! Each flutter and nudge has added a new layer of excitement to our journey, turning the abstract idea of our baby into a tangible, delightful reality.

From around week 14, the baby’s gentle flutters quickly escalated into lively kicks that have become a delightful part of our daily life. One standout moment occurred during a heated discussion with Sami. I retreated to the bedroom, and while trying to calm down, felt our baby kicking with unexpected force. I snuck my way back to Sami, placed his hand on my belly, and let him experience her rhythmic dance for the first time. That shared moment instantly shifted our focus from our argument to the incredible life growing inside me.

As her kicks have become more pronounced, they’ve taken on a life of their own. She seems particularly active when we’re indulging in our Formula 1 obsession—apparently, she’s already a fan of car sounds! However, she’s a bit of a shy performer around Sami’s family, often staying still when they’re nearby. And she clearly has her favorite side of my belly.

Each movement we feel deepens our connection, making us eagerly anticipate meeting her and learning more about her emerging personality. At the same time, we’ll miss these sweet, tiny nudges that have been our daily reminder of the miracle growing inside.

Managing the Midpoint: Balancing Energy, Mood Swings, and Physical Changes

As we bask in the joy of feeling our baby’s movements and adapting to new sensations, the second trimester also brings its own set of challenges. Balancing the excitement with fluctuating energy, mood swings, and physical changes has become a new part of our journey.

My energy levels have soared, transforming me into a productivity powerhouse—work on our land has become my new hobby, and I’ve barely had a sick day at my day job thanks to a surprising lack of fatigue. However, Sami now plays the role of my personal cheerleader, keeping me from overdoing it and reminding me that relaxation might be a good idea. Who knew that pregnancy would turn me into an overzealous DIY enthusiast?

On the emotional side, I’ve become a zen master of sorts, thanks in no small part to the wonderful people who’ve stepped into our lives to offer support. Managing my stress and anxiety has become a daily practice—think of it as a full-time job, with no benefits or pay but plenty of emotional growth. Physically, though, the growing belly has made everyday tasks a bit of a circus act. Putting on socks, for instance, now feels like a competitive sport, and tying my shoes has become a family affair. It seems my journey toward embracing dependency is as inevitable as my craving for Milky Ways.

Navigating these changes has been a journey of especially adapting to physical changes, and learning to accept help with grace.

Lessons Learned and Insights Gained: Reflections on the Second Trimester Journey

As we’ve danced our way through the second trimester, we’ve stumbled upon some invaluable lessons. From discovering that pregnancy cravings are a legitimate excuse for candy store escapades to realizing that Sami’s role as my personal cheerleader and shoe applicator is here to stay, this trimester has been full of revelations.

As we gear up for the third trimester and the grand finale of our pregnancy journey, I want to take a heartfelt pause to reflect on the insights we’ve gained and how they’ve shaped our path forward.

Aha Moments: Surprising Lessons from the Second Trimester

Looking back on the second trimester, I’m genuinely surprised by how much energy I’ve had—despite the persistent fog of pregnancy brain that has left me forgetting where I put my phone... while holding it. One of the biggest revelations came around week 24 when I started watching birth preparation videos. To my astonishment, these videos didn’t just make me feel more confident about giving birth; they made me downright empowered (thank you, BundleBirth and Evidence-Based Birth). I found myself less terrified of the act of labor and more scared of the thought of ending up in a public hospital, which is both surprising and a bit humorous. The stark reality of how women and new mothers are treated in the public hospital where we live was eye-opening and, frankly, a bit shocking.

Preparing for the Final Stretch

As I sip my morning coffee and watch my birth prep videos, I’m increasingly confident about the birthing process. My research and insightful conversations with other women have empowered me to create a birth plan that perfectly aligns with my vision. As the third trimester begins, I’m excitedly preparing for the final stretch—embracing the summer heat and adjusting to living with my loving and supportive family-in-law, all while navigating my evolving independence. My focus is on cherishing every moment, even when the summer sun in Mexico feels like an oven and my changing body brings new challenges. With Sami, our family, and our friends by my side, I feel confident and supported through every step of this incredible journey.

Hospital Hunt and Financial Reality Check: Navigating the Budget and Finding the Right Fit

Finding the perfect place for our baby has been quite the journey, as we covered in the last blog post (read it here). We’ve chosen San José Hospital and are excited to tour the facility and discuss details soon. Through our research, we’ve learned that it’s more budget-friendly for us to bring our own gynecologist and pediatrician, with an estimated total cost between $1,400 and $2,000.

So far, we’ve managed to find $500 on our own and have been blessed with $250 in donations from four incredibly generous individuals. Initially, we had only hoped for maybe a few smaller contributions, so we’re genuinely touched by the support we’ve received. The unexpected generosity has been both uplifting and humbling.

As we continue to work towards our goal, we’re more motivated than ever to pay it forward and assist others.

Our blog and this experience aim to inspire and support others, reflecting the immense gratitude we feel for the help we’ve received. The financial challenges have indeed been significant, but they’ve also reinforced our commitment to building a strong, supportive community and doing more for others in the future.

Heartfelt Thanks and a Sneak Peek at What’s Next

As we wrap up this chapter of our journey, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has been a part of this adventure. Your support—whether through donations, prayers, positive thoughts, or simply sharing in our excitement—has been a tremendous source of strength for us. We are incredibly thankful for all the kind words, encouragement, and interest you've shown in us, our baby, and our story.

Your generosity and love have made this journey more meaningful and have kept us motivated through the ups and downs. We are thrilled to have such a wonderful community cheering us on as we navigate this special time in our lives.

Now, as we enter the final stretch of our pregnancy, we want to hear from you! What would you like to see in our next blog post? Share your ideas, questions, or topics you’re curious about in the comments, and we’ll tailor our next update to your interests. Your input is invaluable, and we can’t wait to create content that resonates with you.

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If you want to continue supporting our journey, please consider donating via the button below, or reach out via email or social media for other ways to support. Every bit helps us as we prepare for our baby's arrival and work towards our goals. And remember, everything donated that exceeds our needs will be passed on to others in need! We’re incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received and look forward to sharing more with you soon.

Thank you once again for being a part of this beautiful experience with us. Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to us.

With love and anticipation,

Melany