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big sister
December 4, 2020

Some Happy News

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Hi friends! I’m thrilled to share some happy news with you today: Riese is going to be a big sister! 

big sister

More details!

Due Date + How far along I am

I am 15 weeks as of a couple days ago! It has been hard to hide this from you friends, although it’s been easier during these weird times where we all stay at home and don’t do much vs. last time when I was out and about a lot. 😉 

Our little spring baby is due on May 26, 2021. I think it will be nice to have a baby in the spring so we have the summer to be out and about (vs. with Riese being born in late November, it got cold fast). We will just have to be careful to keep the baby cool enough in the hot weather! 

All my friends said that with second (and subsequent) pregnancies, you show a lot faster, and that has definitely been the case for me this time!

Literally the week before I found out I was pregnant some of my tighter shorts stopped fitting. I basically had to wear maternity or larger size shorts right away because regular stuff was uncomfortable!

Now that the weather is colder, I’ve mostly just been wearing leggings. The lululemon Align leggings have been my favorite – last time I didn’t wear them when I was pregnant because I didn’t want to stretch them out (they aren’t maternity, and they aren’t cheap), but I’ve since learned from others that they are apparently amazing for pregnancy and don’t stretch out, so I’m giving it a shot! So cozy and they fit much better than the maternity-specific leggings I have, which tend to ride down or be kind of awkward in the belly. 

I thankfully have a ton of maternity clothing from last time; I got a lot of hand me downs from friends, and then I lent out the clothes a lot over the past couple years and they always came back with more stuff included.

That said, a lot of it is the opposite season (tons of summer stuff) or work-appropriate nice clothing (lol, remember when we used to dress up?) so I may need to get a few more casual tops in particular, like sweaters. Last time I didn’t really need sweaters or a maternity-specific coat because it didn’t get that cold before Riese arrived!

Here’s a picture of me a few weeks ago at 13 weeks – the bump is getting quite obvious from certain angles, especially now approaching 16 weeks – I’ll share more pics soon! I’ve been able to hide it in photos from the front up to now but from the side and in person, not so much. 🙂

13 weeks pic

How I’ve been Feeling

Pretty much like garbage, to be honest. Let me preface this by saying that feeling like garbage in the first trimester obviously 100000% pales in comparison to wanting to be pregnant and not being pregnant. So if that is you, I see you and I am thinking of you and sending love and hope. <3

That said, not feeling good is no fun, especially when you have a toddler to chase around. The first trimester was a lot tougher this time than it was last time simply because I couldn’t chill when I wanted to!

Last time when pregnant I was working full time, but by 5 every day I could basically park myself on the couch and not move the rest of the night, and weekends I could do whatever I wanted. But this time, we have a very active toddler in the mix!

Matt has been amazing, though; there was a couple month stretch where he was basically single parenting every night from 5 on – making dinner, cleaning up, and getting Riese to bed, too. I feel incredibly grateful to have such a supportive partner who has made this phase more manageable.

The main things I’ve felt are crazy exhaustion (but weirdly coupled with some insomnia which is annoying) – for a couple months it would be 9 a.m. and I’m like, okay, literally all I can think about is crawling back into bed right now. I’ve also had a lot of nausea/food aversions that started around week 5 or 6.

I had the same constant nausea all day last time, too – I don’t actually throw up (though I get close sometimes) but it just makes choking down food tough. It’s a catch 22 because if I get too hungry I feel 1,000 times worse, but I never want to eat because nothing sounds good.

For awhile this baby was basically 75% grilled cheese and tomato soup and 25% yogurt and fruit, but thankfully I’m able to eat more normally again nowadays. I’m still not super excited about food, and the nausea is still there a bit, but it’s a lot better.

They other key is eating right before I go to sleep, even if I’ve just had dinner – I’ve most been eating perfect bars or my peanut butter oatmeal cookies right before bed because otherwise I wake up hungry nauseous at 2 a.m.

The other thing that’s going on is my emotions are all over the place. I am sure some of this is due to the general state of very high anxiety in the world right now, but I had forgotten how the pregnancy hormones, for me, tend to make me feel like I’m teetering on the edge a lot emotionally. It’s weird and unsettling to not feel like yourself, you know? 

Anyway – obviously this is all 100000% worth it, but I am grateful to be in the second trimester now, not only from a how I feel standpoint but also from an anxiety standpoint – Matt and I were both more nervous this time about something happening than we were last time. We aren’t out of the woods now I know but being in the second trimester makes me feel less nervous. 

Last time, I started feeling better about 11 weeks; this time, I just started feeling better slowly around 13/14 weeks and it’s still a bit hit or miss. I still have some nausea and aversions, and by evening most days I’m still completely done and in bed before Riese, but it’s definitely better than it was and I am so grateful to have some energy back!

Boy or Girl?!

When I got pregnant with Riese I was super sure right away that we were having a girl and as you know I was right. This time, I thought boy initially, but then I kept going back and forth for awhile, not sure. Finally the day before we found out I decided to stick with my boy prediction.

We found out with these super cute little fall-themed scratch off cards from Etsy that my friend Karen ordered for us – fun, right?

fall themed baby gender reveal scratch off card

I had my doctor email her our results and she ordered them for us so we could all be surprised – I did the same for her a couple years ago so it was nice of her to return the favor! We scratched them off when we were together last week with both my parents and Matt’s parents, and I sent extra cards to our siblings so they could join in on the fun via Zoom, too. 

Turns out I was right: Riese is going to have a little brother! 

fall scratch off gender reveal cute card

Matt and I were both somehow not surprised and also completely surprised when we saw “it’s a boy!” on the card!

I feel more nervous about having a boy for some reason – probably because it’s different than what we are used to (I mean, obviously it’s not really that different when they are babies except for potty training stuff later on), but you know what I mean.

We are really excited, though – as much as I know Riese would have loved to have a sister, it will be fun to have one of each! 

Do we want more kids? 

Matt and I feel our little family will be complete with two children, so if everything hopefully continues to go okay, this will be it for us.

Once we found out we were going to have a boy, I felt really motivated to go through the stockpile of baby/toddler girl clothes we had saved. It made me a little weepy to see all the sweet and TINY little outfits Riese has worn over the years that I now know we won’t use again, but for the most part it was nice to declutter and organize. There was a decent amount of stuff from the first year we are going to reuse, but after that we had mostly super girly stuff. 

We ended up having almost 10 big bags of clothes to give away! Luckily a neighbor on our street just had a baby girl a few weeks ago, so they got most of the first year stuff, and the older stuff got passed on to other friends.

I’m glad it will all go to good use and that we’ll get to see some of the outfits around town, too. 🙂 

baby girl clothes to donate

How does Riese feel about all this?

She’s excited! I mean, of course she doesn’t really get it, but in theory she understands the idea that “there’s a baby in mommy’s belly” and that the baby will come out when it’s ready. She keeps asking: “Is my baby ready to come out NOW?”

Riese is definitely an extrovert like me so I think she’ll like having a sibling, and we always knew we wanted her to have a little buddy. Of course it will be awhile before they can actually play together, but she’s been sweet in the past with friend’s babies so hopefully she’ll be at a good age to “help” with the baby a bit once he arrives. We’ll see!

I’m sure there will be some jealousy but I think the fact that she’ll be 3.5 years old should maybe make it a little easier vs. if she were 2? Maybe it’s just wishful thinking… we’ll see. 

How fitness has been going

Fitness has been hit or miss!

Part of it is that I like working out with other people and going to in-person classes and there hasn’t been much opportunity to do that lately for obvious reasons, and part of it has been that I’ve just been so freakin’ exhausted. 

Walking has still felt good, so I’ve been keeping up with that, and now that the weather is cold and I have a little more energy running has actually been feeling good, too. Last time with Riese I stopped running around this time because it was getting really hot out and I don’t love running in the heat when not pregnant let alone when pregnant.

But this time the timing has been better with the second trimester energy return (ish) coinciding with cold weather, which is my favorite for running. 

I actually just bought a new pair of running shoes on Black Friday that have more support which I think will help because my ankle has been bothering me and I’d like to keep running as long as it feels good/I feel up for it this time because it always lifts my mood. 

running along hains point

In terms of strength training, I’ve been continuing to do my brother-in-law’s virtual workout classes once or twice a week, when  I feel up for it, and just modifying them as it feels appropriate. We’ve also been doing a private virtual training session once a week which has been nice because he’s been able to tailor it to me and do more slow strength stuff and pregnancy appropriate moves vs. the higher intensity jumping around stuff in class.

I was really enjoying outdoor yoga until a couple weeks ago, but that’s pretty much done now due to the weather being too cold. So, I’ll continue to keep up the at-home strength training and will continue to get out for walks and runs when I feel up for it!

Exercise does usually leave me feeling better after doing it, the exception being if I try to make it happen when I’m too exhausted. 

Thank you for reading!

I’m so happy to finally be able to share this news with all of you! Thank you for reading and for sharing in this exciting time with us.

If you have any other questions for me, I’m happy to answer them!

big sister

- anne
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105 comments
  • Allison December 4, 2020 · 8:03AM:
    Yay!!! So excited for all 3 of you! Riese is going to be an amazing big sister. P.S. Baby Boy Mauney is due on my birthday ;)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 8:13AM:
      Aw, I love it, potential birthday twins! Thanks!
      Reply
  • Lauren December 4, 2020 · 8:41AM:
    Congratulations!! I have a little one around the same age as Riese and am due with my second in March. This pregnancy is definitely different/harder because of the toddler aspect. Glad you're starting to feel better and keeping active. I have yet to start the prenatal strength training program I purchased and I'm almost in my third trimester ?.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 9:01AM:
      It's so different this time, right?!? Congrats to you as well!! The only way I've made workouts happen is to have them be live (virtual but live) - self paced stuff just does not happen haha
      Reply
  • Kris S December 4, 2020 · 8:49AM:
    Woohoo! :) Wonderful news! I'm sure Riese will be an awesome big sister. I think 3.5 will be really sweet for you and Matt to see her be cute and helpful with the baby too! I've got a 3.5 year gap with my first little brother and by all accounts I was an enthusiastic and doting big sis- he turned out ok ;) Hope you continue to feel better as things progress! :D
    Reply
  • Sara December 4, 2020 · 8:55AM:
    Congratulations! Long time reader here and due with my first just after you - on May 29. Looking forward to following along on your journey (baby, and the usual food and exercise ?)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 9:01AM:
      Awww so exciting congratulations Sara!
      Reply
  • Josie December 4, 2020 · 9:03AM:
    Congratulations to you guys! We welcomed baby #2 in September (2.5 years apart) and have one of each, too. :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 9:26AM:
      Aw congrats Josie! :)
      Reply
  • Danielle December 4, 2020 · 9:03AM:
    So happy for you and your family! My first (girl) was born Dec 1 and second was mid May (boy) so our timelines definitely match up :) Agree it’s so nice to have a spring baby and then just be able to go out and enjoy stroller walks without having to put on a million layers. The stroller fan was our BFF. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 9:27AM:
      Yes, definitely need to invest in a stroller fan! Do you have one you recommend? :)
      Reply
      • Danielle December 4, 2020 · 9:33AM:
        We had the Vista and don’t recommend it. By the time baby is born the seating arrangement isn’t ideal. We use the double Zoe for quick strolls and bought a double City Mini second hand for our many covid walks.
        Reply
        • Anne
          December 4, 2020 · 1:17PM:
          Oh I actually meant which fan did you use for the stroller? But this is helpful, too! We are debating if we even want to bother with a double stroller since we barely use the stroller anymore for Riese... it's convenient occasionally but she's so active she'd always rather run/walk by herself when we're out walking, so I think we may just use all our single stroller old stuff for baby number 2!
          Reply
          • Danielle December 4, 2020 · 2:01PM:
            Makes sense. I had a smaller age gap (2.5 years) and my daughter likes the stroller haha. This is the fan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FFWG0I8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
            Reply
            • Anne
              December 4, 2020 · 4:07PM:
              Thanks!
              Reply
          • Colleen December 4, 2020 · 3:55PM:
            Our kids are 27 months apart and we skipped the double stroller because my son was phasing out of the stroller when I was pregnant. We did get a rollerboard for the stroller. We also got a wagon, which is my preferred method of transport if both kids need to ride somewhere. I would put the baby's carseat in the wagon when she was tiny, and now she just sits in there with the wagon's seatbelt.
            Reply
            • Anne
              December 4, 2020 · 4:08PM:
              Oh that's a fun idea about the wagon!
              Reply
  • Thea December 4, 2020 · 9:04AM:
    Congratulations! Our oldest is 1 month younger than Riese so I've loved following your updates with her. Our second daughter was born last May so even with the same gender, the opposite seasons can make dressing the baby and you (for maternity wear) tricky. Glad to hear it's getting better after the first trimester. It was much worse for me the second time around too and I tried taking medication for the nausea, except the medication would make me even more tired; I ended up taking a combination of vitamin B6 and unisom which helped.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 9:27AM:
      I actually tried the unisom/b6 thing a couple times and it made me feel worse the next day (so groggy) so I gave it up and have just been muscling through... so grateful to be feeling a bit better nowadays!
      Reply
  • Janae Baron December 4, 2020 · 9:16AM:
    I am just the happiest for you! A BOY❤️❤️❤️!
    Reply
  • Lauren December 4, 2020 · 9:20AM:
    A boy!! I’m surprised for some reason! Congratulations, and hope you feel more like yourself soon!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 9:30AM:
      So were we, even though that's what we had guessed! I guess I'm just so used to being a girl mom I figured I'd keep being one! :) Thanks friend, miss you! Let's do another virtual run/walk phone date soon.
      Reply
  • CHARLSIE December 4, 2020 · 9:24AM:
    Congrats!!! I have a daughter and son and I thought my daughter was easy so my son would be. OMG they are so different!!! Be prepared for him to climb on everything and throw it and hit! They are so much fun but so different from the girls!!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 9:26AM:
      It will definitely be interesting to see how they are different and how they are similar! Riese was not an easy newborn so hoping for a more chill baby this time, but who knows. We will take what we get! <3
      Reply
  • Lauren December 4, 2020 · 9:54AM:
    Congratulations! I'm expecting a baby boy on May 25, after two girls. I'm definitely nervous but excited! I have been significantly sicker this time and also dealing with bad insomnia. My midwife recommended magnesium - specifically "Calm Magnesium supplement" right before bed and it has made a world of difference. I never heard of it before so now I'm sharing all over the place haha. It will be fun to follow your journey lining up with mine. Congrats and enjoy!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 1:16PM:
      Ooo do you mind sharing a link to the one you use? Definitely going to try this, thank you! And congrats to you too!!
      Reply
      • lauren December 4, 2020 · 1:23PM:
        Natural Vitality Calm (I have raspberry lemon): https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Vitality-Anti-Stress-Supplement-Raspberry/dp/B000OQ2DJQ?th=1 But it is available at Target, natural food stores, my CVS carries it but they were out when I stopped in, so pretty much anywhere. I hope it helps!! It has made a HUGE difference for me.
        Reply
        • Anne
          December 4, 2020 · 1:24PM:
          Awesome, I'm purchasing this immediately haha. Thank you!
          Reply
  • LM December 4, 2020 · 10:04AM:
    SO happy for you! I have an older girl/younger boy and it is amazing to see how strong their bond is. Once they're able to play together it is so much fun!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 1:16PM:
      I think Riese is going to LOVE having a built-in buddy!
      Reply
  • Erin December 4, 2020 · 10:47AM:
    Congrats! Our son was 3 when his baby sister arrived and he loved/loves to help! I think it’s a great age gap, because he could do a FEW things independently. There obv was and still is the occasional jealousy, but overall it’s been pretty good. Baby brother will just love his big sister. It’s the sweetest thing!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 1:15PM:
      Love hearing this!
      Reply
  • Ana December 4, 2020 · 10:54AM:
    Congratulations! Wonderful news!
    Reply
  • Jane lEnnox December 4, 2020 · 10:56AM:
    Congrats to you and your family on your exciting news!
    Reply
  • Kori Daniel December 4, 2020 · 11:01AM:
    CONGRATULATIONS, Anne!! So very exciting!!! I am so appreciative to be older (32) as my husband I hope to add a little one to our family in the near future, but because I'm older and have read accounts of loss and other experiences, I do think I'll be nervous at times. It's hard not to, though. I'm sure all will be well, and I'm so excited for you to complete your sweet family with a boy! Can't wait to follow your journey.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 1:15PM:
      I know, it's hard not to be nervous, it's all so unknown. Thank you!
      Reply
  • Amy Martin December 4, 2020 · 11:40AM:
    Congratulations!
    Reply
  • L
    December 4, 2020 · 11:49AM:
    Congratulations! Such exciting news, thank you for sharing with us :) I'm expecting my first in March, and your description of your first trimester could have been me - grilled cheese all day every day. I'm so happy for a bit of variety now that the nausea is mostly gone! Excited to continue following your journey!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 1:14PM:
      Soooooo much grilled cheese! Congrats to you too! :)
      Reply
  • Tessie December 4, 2020 · 12:13PM:
    Congratulations!!!!! So very happy for you and your family. Love reading about you and your family and wish you all the best!
    Reply
  • Micole December 4, 2020 · 12:15PM:
    Congrats on a second baby! The Align leggings are the best for pregnancy, mine never stretched out. I do hang dry them as I heard putting them in the dryer can break them down!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 1:13PM:
      That's a great tip, thanks!
      Reply
  • Pat Elsberry
    December 4, 2020 · 12:29PM:
    Congratulations, Anne!! So happy for you and your family!!! Boys are awesome ... and actually so much easier than girls! Love my girl, but boys don’t have all the crazy hormones/attitude like girls!! ?
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 1:13PM:
      Haha I definitely feel like having a boy in the crazy attitude days (aka teenager timing) will be easier vs. having two girls, although who knows, we'll see!
      Reply
  • Cindy December 4, 2020 · 12:35PM:
    Congratulations!!! I’m so happy for all of you! I have so enjoyed seeing Riese growing into such a smart and pretty little girl and can’t wait to meet your little boy. Thank you for sharing the news with us. I hope you continue to feel better every day.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 1:13PM:
      Thank you Cindy :)
      Reply
  • JC December 4, 2020 · 12:58PM:
    Congratulations! Fellow "older" (all relative!) mom here. Have you noticed any changes this pregnancy (time to conceive, approach with doctors, anxiety, etc.) compared to your first?
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 1:12PM:
      Hi there, and thanks! No changes this time but we were also "geriatric" (aka over 35) the first time, so I already got extra tests etc. at the doctor. We were really fortunate to conceive very quickly again this time like with Riese. Matt and I have definitely been more anxious though, and I've definitely been more tired!
      Reply
  • Chelsea December 4, 2020 · 1:06PM:
    Congratulations!! You look great! I hope you continue to feel better over the next few weeks. One workout suggestion—I absolutely loved the online Barre3 prenatal workouts (through their online subscription). They were tailored for pregnancy but I still broke a sweat. I would do them over zoom with non-pregnant friends who still enjoyed the workouts.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 1:10PM:
      I'll check them out, thank you!
      Reply
  • Kath
    December 4, 2020 · 1:07PM:
    YAY!! Welcome to the boy mama club!!! <3
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 1:10PM:
      Going to need all the tips from you boy moms!
      Reply
      • Kath
        December 4, 2020 · 1:11PM:
        Wish I hadn't already given away so much of my newborn/1 year boy clothes!
        Reply
  • Sammie December 4, 2020 · 1:12PM:
    I totally guessed it!! So excited for you guys, congrats!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 1:18PM:
      :) thanks!
      Reply
  • Erin M December 4, 2020 · 1:14PM:
    Congratulations!! So happy for you!!
    Reply
  • Melanie December 4, 2020 · 1:20PM:
    BIG Congratulations...how exciting for all of you!!
    Reply
  • Rebecca McMurray December 4, 2020 · 1:44PM:
    Congratulations to you and Matt and Riese!
    Reply
  • Laura December 4, 2020 · 1:48PM:
    Congrats!!! I wondered if you were pregnant. There was a post a few months ago where you did a recap of food you'd eaten and you said you weren't really feeling up to food lately and that got me wondering! We have a girl then boy sibling dynamic and love it! I had wanted two girls (every single baby born on my side of the family has been a girl after my dad was born in '47 until Kevin broke the streak in 2018) thinking they'd get along better but Emma and Kevin just adore each other! He is a lot rougher though and potty training sucks with the penis pee going everywhere!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 4:05PM:
      Yeah I felt like it was obvious lately on the blog :) I'm glad to hear the girl/boy dynamic has been a good one for you, hopefully it will be for us too!
      Reply
  • Katie December 4, 2020 · 1:51PM:
    Anne! Huge congratulations! I'm a longtime reader and so happy for you. 2020 is turning around, am I right?! We, too, have an older girl and a younger boy (2.5 years apart in age), and we have loved getting to experience both. I also really love that our girl is the older one. They are 2.5 and 5 now, and starting to really play happily together for longer stretches of time, and it's amazing to see their bond develop and grow. It's a wild ride going from 1 to 2. I hope you enjoy!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 4:06PM:
      Thanks Katie! I can't wait until my two littles can play together, will be awesome to see!
      Reply
  • Jaclyn
    December 4, 2020 · 1:58PM:
    Wow, congratulations! Such exciting news and it's wonderful to have something happy to anticipate. I think you'll love having a boy! I had a girl first and a boy second and definitely had my apprehensions - I had always wanted a boy, but once I got used to having a girl I wasn't sure how I felt about our family dynamic changing. But boys are SO much fun. And I know you've written about Riese being such a Daddy's girl - this one will be stuck to you like glue! When I was expecting my son, everyone told me how much little boys LOVE their mommies, and it's sooooooo true. And such a total joy! Congrats!!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 4:06PM:
      I'm pretty pumped to hopefully have a momma's boy, not gonna lie! Riese is still 100000% Daddy's girl and I'm a distant second!
      Reply
  • Mar December 4, 2020 · 3:44PM:
    Hardy Congrats to you Anne,Matt and Riese!! Wonderful news!! What joy! Sons are wonderful!! Marta ,mom of 3 girls and 1 son all grown and they still love me and I them!!
    Reply
  • Wendy Rice December 4, 2020 · 3:48PM:
    Congratulations! Funnily enough for some reason I was convinced you were pregnant and was waiting for a blog announcement. I have always had a pregnancy-sixth sense but didn’t realise it extend to people on the internet!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 4:07PM:
      Ha, that's funny - you were right! :) Thanks!!
      Reply
  • Katie December 4, 2020 · 4:01PM:
    Such joyful news!! Congrats!!
    Reply
  • MK December 4, 2020 · 4:25PM:
    Congratulations, so happy for your little family!
    Reply
  • Gaye December 4, 2020 · 4:28PM:
    Congratulations to the three of you, how exciting! And yes, you have a nice baby bump there. Looking forward to following along on this second baby journey.
    Reply
  • Jen
    December 4, 2020 · 4:29PM:
    Congratulations Anne! So happy for your family!
    Reply
  • Wendy Bilbrey December 4, 2020 · 4:48PM:
    Congratulations to all of you. So good to hear such happy news and have been following you for quite awhile. Love your blog! Thank you for sharing a part of your life with all of us!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 4, 2020 · 5:00PM:
      Thank you Wendy! :)
      Reply
  • MARLENE December 4, 2020 · 5:05PM:
    Congratulations to you all. I have two boys; they love each other and take care of each other in the worst and best times.
    Reply
  • Amanda December 4, 2020 · 6:23PM:
    So exciting!! Congratulations!!!
    Reply
  • Tori December 4, 2020 · 6:25PM:
    Many congratulations to you, Matt, and Riese!! I’m so very happy for you! Riese will love having a brother. I have 3 younger brothers and no sisters. My brothers are amazing and I wouldn’t trade them for any sisters (I say that now). Lol. Congrats again and I look forward to reading your journey to another sweet child.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 5, 2020 · 9:51AM:
      Thanks Tori! 3 brothers, that must have been a wild house!
      Reply
  • Em December 4, 2020 · 6:59PM:
    What's with the obsession with gender? Finding out, assuming Riese will have a better relationship with a sister, getting rid of all the pink clothes... I know you mean well and think it's harmless but this reduction is how so many issues regarding gender norms and expectations arise. It's a baby. It can wear pink.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 5, 2020 · 9:53AM:
      Hi Em! Our boy will be welcome to wear pink and tutus and sparkles and whatever else he wants, but we'll let him decide that. We did keep some pink stuff, in fact. It was just nice to declutter.
      Reply
  • Roadrunner December 4, 2020 · 7:36PM:
    Wow! Wonderful news, Anne, congratulations! Very exciting! May will be here before you know it! Very happy for you and Matt and Riese -
    Reply
  • Cathy Wright December 4, 2020 · 8:06PM:
    OMG!! I am so happy for you guys! Congrats!!
    Reply
  • Jen December 4, 2020 · 8:07PM:
    Congrats, Anne! I'm 17 weeks with our first baby (it's a girl!) and due May 9th. I am going to enjoy following your blog (even more so than I already do). Good luck to your family. ? Best news!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 5, 2020 · 9:53AM:
      Congrats Jen! :)
      Reply
  • Amelia December 4, 2020 · 8:46PM:
    Congrats & best wishes. Great news! I’m very happy for you & your family. I remember seeing you at the AWE meetings when pregnant with Riese. Feels like yesterday. ?
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 5, 2020 · 9:53AM:
      Aw, thanks Amelia! I hope you're well!
      Reply
  • jane jardine December 4, 2020 · 9:09PM:
    Congratulations Anne, what exciting news! Best wishes to the Mauney family, feel well and stay healthy!
    Reply
  • KAte December 4, 2020 · 9:42PM:
    Congratulations Anne! What happy news!
    Reply
  • Courtney Wilton December 4, 2020 · 9:55PM:
    So happy for you all!!!! And a little boy! Glad most of sickness has passed, I remember suddenly at 13 weeks feeling human again and I know what the day long nausea feels like, it sucks but as you said 100000000% worth it for the end result! Congratulations again and look forward to reading along your journey as you transition from 1 to 2 :)
    Reply
  • Rachel December 4, 2020 · 10:47PM:
    Congratulations!! I’m 15 weeks pregnant as well, but with my first. Due on May 29, same as another reader below! Something about these quarantine babies :) I completely feel you on feeling like garbage but I’ve been feeling slightly better the last week or so. It will be fun to follow along your journey with the timing being so similar.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 5, 2020 · 9:54AM:
      Aw congratulations! Glad to hear you're feeling a little better, too. :)
      Reply
  • Terry Babcock-Lumish December 5, 2020 · 7:57AM:
    Sending warmest wishes upon learning your wonderful news! It's heartening to discover spots of joy in the midst of this challenging year. Congratulations to you, Matt, and Riese - and take good care!
    Reply
  • Kimberly December 5, 2020 · 8:48PM:
    Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you and your family! It's awesome that you and Matt get one of each. You are giving your daughter the best gift that you will ever give her! God bless your beautiful family.
    Reply
  • adrianna December 5, 2020 · 10:42PM:
    my goodness this is such exciting news!! could not be happier for the 3 of you! love the way you guys did the gender reveal, too. your fam of absolute adorableness is about to get even cuter! gah!! <3
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 7, 2020 · 8:16AM:
      Thanks Adrianna :)
      Reply
  • Amy December 6, 2020 · 5:41PM:
    Because you mention it quite often in your posts, about be an extrovert, do you think really that makes a difference if your first born will enjoy having a sibling?
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 7, 2020 · 8:16AM:
      I think so! I liked having a built in buddy when I was little because I have always been an extrovert. And Riese seems to be a lot like me - really loves being around other kids, and like me when I was little she always wants to play WITH someone vs. just with her toys. So who knows, but we'll see! I know of course she will miss getting 100% of our attention, but I think it will be nice for her to have someone to play with as they get older.
      Reply
  • Susan December 7, 2020 · 2:14PM:
    Congratulations to you all! My due date with my baby boy was May 26, 2020, and he is an absolutely wonderful baby (a true bright light in Covid times!), so I think there's something special about that date for little guys :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 8, 2020 · 10:58AM:
      Aw I love it, congratulations!
      Reply
  • ellen reynolds December 9, 2020 · 4:46PM:
    Congratulations! I pray all goes well with this pregnancy and hopefully you'll start feeling better soon. I have a boy and a girl, and there was a vast difference in raising the two. My son was rebellious and obstinate, whereas my daughter was compliant and vulnerable. I had to use different disciples with both of them. It was tough, but it was an honor being (still am) their mother. They are both grown now and have children of their own. It's a pleasure watching them rear their own kids with the same values and morals I passed on to them.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 10, 2020 · 9:53AM:
      It will definitely be interesting to see the differences between them... I'm excited to see how their personalities will develop!
      Reply
  • Katie December 10, 2020 · 10:47AM:
    Congrats to you! I have a little boy (who’s 2 now) and I know I’m biased, but little boys are just the most fun! If you don’t mind me asking, was it a hard decision to decide when to try for #2? I think I’m around your age (38) and I’m feeling the pressure to go for it if we’re going to do it, but I’m just not sure I’m ready!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 10, 2020 · 11:05AM:
      Yes, I felt a lot of pressure (all self imposed) to go for it sooner, but I just wasn't ready! I just turned 38 in September so I knew clock was ticking but I think it's important to listen to whether you feel ready or not!
      Reply
  • Tyler
    January 2, 2021 · 6:41PM:
    Congrats, this is very exciting!! I am pulling for May 23rd! I hope Riese is as excited as Rowan was to have a baby brother. If you need some boy clothes, we have some stuff that is about 18 months ahead of you.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 3, 2021 · 9:59AM:
      Thanks Tyler!! I think we are set for boy clothes - we have gotten a lot of generous hand me downs from friends already - but thank you for offering!
      Reply
  • JR March 5, 2021 · 11:46AM:
    Congrats! Please remember babies are born beautiful and don't need modification. I know it's your baby, but just wanted to pop a quick comment about not circumsizing when he is born. I've met a lot of guys who are hurt that this decision was taken away from them and the process of "restoring" is a long and hard one both physically and mentally. It's an issue that many men deal with that goes undiscussed. Congrats on your family!
    Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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