Santa isn’t the only one coming to town this December…

I’m excited to announce to those who don’t follow me on social media that I’m pregnant with a baby boy named Greyson, and I’m due in December! Pregnancy is exciting, terrifying, and beautiful, but everyone experiences something different. A common mistake women make during pregnancy is comparing themselves and the natural changes of motherhood to other women and the changes they go through. Just as every woman differs from the second they enter into this world as a baby girl, every woman has a uniquely special pregnancy. Weight gain, bodily pain, morning sickness, hormonal changes, cravings, and growing babies progress differ from woman to woman. Ladies, don’t compare yourself to other women ever, but especially during pregnancy. You are YOUnique.

Comparing ourselves as women to others and stressing over tiny, unimportant details isn’t our fault. We’ve grown up watching Disney movies and playing with Barbie’s, constantly being told what is expected of us as women. We are expected at a young age to be beautiful, live life-like a princess (unrealistic), and of course, our traditional wedding day should already be drawn out in our minds by age seven…duh. We want a prince, right? We want three kids, right? We want a white picket fence and a gorgeous home, free from stains and messes…right? NO. We all want something different! It’s not a bad thing if you want any of those things, but if you don’t, you’re STILL a woman and you’re never wrong for loving what you love and wanting what you want. During your pregnancy, remember to remain true to yourself.

I’ve been asked by many, how I’m remaining so healthy and happy during my pregnancy. “Lizzie, what’s the secret?” I may have my secrets, but the reasons behind my happiness and health aren’t secretive…

I’m still dancing, eating healthy, and remaining true to who I am as a woman. I still wear pretty clothes (everyone knows I’m a fashion enthusiast), going to work every day, and doing what I love to do. I also surround myself with only positive people and situations, because no pregnant woman needs the added stress. Stress is not only bad for the baby, but it’s bad for you, too. Some women forget to take care of themselves after becoming pregnant, because of course our children will ALWAYS be a top priority, and we discover that truth the second the strip reads positive. But, we still need to take care of our needs and desires. We’re pregnant ladies…not dead.

I get a manicure and pedicure every two weeks, I shop at my favorite stores whenever I can, I write whenever I’m having a lazy day at home, with pretty, scented candles around me, I go on daytrips, and I find beauty everywhere I go. I am living for not only Greyson, but I’m living for me. I want him to know the bohemian, nature obsessed, animal loving, fashion addicted, ballroom dancing, writer that I am. I promise you, your baby wants to get to know the real you, too. He or she will be interested in your life, passions, mistakes, and stories.

Society is a bummer and it thrives off of a woman’s insecurities, especially when we’re pregnant (lucky us). Companies profit off of the way a woman feels at any given time in her life and when we’re pregnant our emotions tend to be intensified. I want you to take a moment to unfollow any account on your social media platforms that make you feel insecure, angry, or stressed. If it’s a person constantly posting negative messages, unfollow them. If it’s a stupid, unrealistic company that makes you doubt yourself, unfollow them. I have zero time for negativity and that is why I continue to glow throughout my pregnancy. I always say, if you litter your trash everywhere you will wake up one morning and realize you’re living a trashy life. Positivity is power, ladies. In a world filled with hate, ignorance, and negativity, be sunshine.

Pregnancy isn’t the time to tone, lose weight, or overdo it. If you’re doing any sort of workout and you cannot hold a conversation while doing so, you need to tone it down. I’ve also been asked about how my pregnancy has affected my ballroom dancing; it hasn’t. I have been a ballroom dancer for two years and was accustomed to dancing two-three times a week, for two years, with lengthy showcases in between, right up until becoming pregnant. I actually danced and scored very well in a showcase a few weeks prior to finding out I was pregnant. I then, continued dancing and I’m currently working with a new instructor and we’re planning for our Fall Showcase. I just cannot stay off of the dance floor; it’s a part of me. You can still do what you love to do during pregnancy, but you have to listen to your body. When you’re pregnant, your body and mind will let you know when you’re comfortable and when you’re in need of a break. Ladies, have fun during your pregnancy. Go for a relaxing walk, spend as much time as you can outdoors, and workout only when it feels right. You’re going to endure physical changes while pregnant, whether they’re minimal or not, and women are incredibly strong. We can carry a child for nine months; we can do anything. If you have insane fitness goals and plans, wait until after the baby is born.

I drink lots and lots of water, which I actually didn’t do enough of before becoming pregnant and I eat as healthy as I possibly can. Ladies, it’s okay to crave chocolate and pizza when you’re pregnant, but you need to also eat healthily. We’re not perfect and some days we’re going to fall short. It’s no different from before you became pregnant! If you have pizza Friday night, that’s fine. You deserve something tasty, but eat healthy, normal, and balanced during the week. I eat a lot of fruit, vegetables, and I just recently became a vegetarian…again. Plain pasta with garlic and vegetables is great, or an omelet and fresh fruit for breakfast. There’s also a healthy way to treat yourself to chocolate and pizza, for example. I LOVE dark chocolate covered blueberries and cranberries (dark chocolate is good for you), and when it comes to a Friday night pizza, a margarita, or white veggie pizza are much healthier than most other toppings. Be smart and creative with your pregnancy food choices. It’s a time to discover colorful, healthy recipes and to cut out anything bad from your diet. For those who’ve asked me about my vitamins during pregnancy, I also take GNC Women’s Biotin and GNC Women’s Prenatal Vitamins, every single day and I’ve been incredibly impressed with GNC.

I’d like to touch on one last thought before I leave you with a new post to read; I have an amazing man by my side and I’m so thankful for him. He’s not only my lover and boyfriend, but he’s also my best friend. I tell him everything and we’re so comfortable with one another. I wish I could fully express to him and all of you reading this, how much he has positively impacted my life, but it’s hard to put into words. With all of that being said, if you’re pregnant and with someone who doesn’t make you happy, or you’re with someone who doesn’t plan on being there for your child, walk away. You are better off going on this journey alone than with someone who makes you miserable. I have never known my biological father because he never wanted to know me. My mother and I were much better off without him. Stepfathers and adoptive fathers, we appreciate you (side note). If you’re single and pregnant…it’s going to be okay. I promise you, you can do this. I have known so many kick-ass single mamas and they make it through with such strength. Find inspiration and support from friends, family, activities, and books.

To all of my pregnant mamas out there I wish you a happy, healthy, and relaxing pregnancy! You can do this. Leave the stress and fear behind you and only look forward. Cheers to new chapters and beautiful beginnings. Xo