Well Hello There!

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Hi friends!   I know it may have seemed like I’d fallen off the face of the planet (or left for our epic road trip and not looked back) but as you can see above and below I’ve been doing the most important work of my life… growing our newest family member!  For most of the pregnancy so far I felt protective and private (which was confusing because I simultaneously wanted to shout our amazing news from the rooftops)!  I decided somewhere along the line that I’d come back to this space when I felt pulled to, and in the meantime I’d honor my feelings and enjoy this new direction.

But I missed you all, and I’m happy to be here for an update!  Let’s start at the beginning…. about 2 weeks before we were supposed to leave for our trip.  We’d found the perfect renter for our house, signed a one year lease, packed up half the house, ordered a bazillion things from Amazon and had all of our ducks in a row to leave when one Friday morning I realized I was a few days late and reluctantly took a pregnancy test (I truly thought there was zero percent chance I was pregnant and that Lou was being an alarmist by insisting I take it).  It came back positive.  Lou went out again to get two more, both of which came back positive.  It was a total shock.  One of my first thoughts was to my friends who have struggled or are currently struggling with fertility, how unfair it seemed that I could get accidentally pregnant while they faced obstacles.  My heart broke for them in that moment, once again, and I cried for the unfairness.

Lou was dancing around the room excited.  As it started to sink in I got dizzy and had to lay on the floor, the tears coming as I texted one of my best friends with feelings of panic fueled by raging hormones and the biggest surprise of my life!  I always imagined the scene where I found out I was pregnant much differently.  I almost expected that it would be difficult, that there would many tests that came back negative before one would {possibly} bring the news I hoped for, which would bring happy tears and lots of hugs with Lou.  The reality of the situation was much different, and the humor of it all wasn’t lost on us when we realized it was like something out of the stupid romantic comedies we love so much, with me crying on the floor having a panic attack and him dancing around the room like a happy monkey.

After the shock wore off and the happiness sunk in we spent the morning sharing the news with our neighbors, family, and some of our closest friends (watching them scream and dance and cry happy tears for us sent us over the moon).  At the end of the day we were laying in bed talking about how it was one of the best days of our lives.  We were just so excited, so happy, so thrilled that life had taken this turn.  The next day we started to deal with the logistical reality and change of plans, and thankfully everyone was so understanding of our situation- and just like that our trip was postponed and we were happily going down a different path.

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My first trimester was both easier than I expected and more difficult.  I had nausea that lasted all day but was quelled by lots of eating, so I was grateful for that!  I was SO TIRED, which is normal, and I felt so lucky to be able to nap when my body called for it!  Being pregnant triggered my Crohn’s, as my midwife warned it may, and I struggled to get stabilized for a bit.  That part was more emotionally challenging than physically challenging as I felt guilty for not being as healthy as I wanted to be for the baby, worried about what the side effects (if any) of my digestive issues would be on this new little person, and generally undone by the weight of needing to improve my health for the life I’m growing while at times feeling helpless to control it.

I started on the Gaps diet, which I had done briefly last Summer and started seeing a Gaps practitioner who put me on a few supplements that have helped tremendously.  It’s been a long road to heal myself and I’ve never lost the feeling that I WILL get there, that someday I’ll have the energy and vitality that I’ve felt are missing, that I’ll be thriving instead of just managing my health.  I think I’m on the right path and knowing that I now have another person who will be counting on me (and who will depend on my knowledge of nutrition and health to help them get the best start in life) gives me an extra spark!  The Gaps diet makes so much sense for me.  If you’re interested, I can write another post about what I’ve learned, my experiences, what I’m eating, etc.  Just let me know!

As for the blog with this change of plans… to be honest I don’t know yet!  I’m working on a few home projects that I’m looking forward to sharing (including the nursery and a garage/home office conversion!)  I’d like to share more about pregnancy and my experiences with motherhood when the time comes.  So we’ll see!  I’m taking this whole thing one day at a time…  xx- Sarah  {ps thank you for all of the Instagram love here when we first broke the news, it was so fun to share!  And lastly, the dress I’m wearing can be found here!)

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Reader Comments

    • Sarah Yates|

      YESSSS!!! Good luck, I hope it works! I love it because I know it will be great post-baby as well. 🙂

      Reply
  1. erica|

    Congratulations! I am 6 months pregnant with our 2nd and also have a 13-month old. Neither were planned but sometimes the best things in life aren’t!

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      Congratulations Erica!!! That’s so exciting!! I hope you’re enjoying your pregnancy! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Abbie Mobley|

    You just crossed my mind the other day–I was worried I’d inadvertently unsubscribed on Feedly…now I know where you were! 🙂 What a lovely reason to take a bit of a break…Congratulations! With the health challenges you’ve faced, I am so glad at least one thing (one of the most important things!) came easily for your family. Sending you positive vibes!

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      Thank you so much Abbie! Yes, I feel INSANELY fortunate that this was so easy for us, it’s a huge blessing!!!! Thank you thank you for the well wishes. XX

      Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      Thanks Rebecca, always nice to hear and more so when I feel like there’s a basketball shoved down my dress! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Laura|

    Congratulations! I am so happy for you! You and Lou are going to be great parents. No matter what happens with the blog, I’m thankful that you were a part of my healthy eating journey. I still make a lot of your recipes often and will continue to do so!

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      I love this Laura, thank you so much!!! I will definitely be sharing what I’ve learned about health and nutrition at some point, and who knows maybe the day will come when I am inspired to post recipes again!!!

      Reply
  4. Julia|

    I experienced the same situation as you — accidentally got pregnant and then felt guilty that it so easily happened to us when other friends were desperate to have a baby! And then I felt a ton of panic since it was such a moment of shock 🙂 Now I have a sweet baby boy I couldn’t imagine life without and am navigating the twists and turns of motherhood. Things do have a way of working out sometimes, even if they aren’t planned! Best of luck to you on your journey!

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      Thanks Julia! It’s such a mixture of emotions to have a surprise like that, and the guilt can be intense!! But I agree, life always has a way of working out!!!

      Reply
  5. diane|

    So coincidental….I met with John the painter last week at another client’s house and mentioned that you had not posted in quite some time and was wondering where you had been travelling and then I see this. And my only child, my daughter, just married last weekend so I was thrilled to see that you are expecting! It is the best thing ever and I can say that even after 28 years of being a mom! Congratulations to you both and just sit back and relax and enjoy every single day of your pregnancy and the wonderful things that are to come.

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      Congratulations Diane on your daughter’s recent marriage!!! That must’ve been so much fun!
      John has his work cut out for him with the projects we’re doing to get ready for the baby! He’s the BEST!!!
      Thanks so much for all of the kind words and well wishes!! XX

      Reply
  6. Eden|

    So happy for you and your hubs Sarah!!! Such a blessing and the BEST work you’ll ever do!! Such exciting news!! Look forward to your posts, but also think it’s great you’re taking your time!!!

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      Thanks Eden!!! It’s such a fun time in life, I’m trying to soak it all in! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Amy Squires|

    Congratulations Sarah – such wonderful news. All best wishes your and Lou’s way.

    Reply
  8. Jenn I|

    Congratulations!!! So exciting! Know that however much or little you decide to share, your internet friends are thrilled for you.

    Reply
  9. Christine|

    Congratulations! Such happy news about your pregnancy! I would be interested in hearing more about the gaps diet and how it’s been working for you – it must be such a struggle to have your health waver during this time, but glad to hear that this seems to be helping.

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      Thank you Christine! I’ll put together a blog post about GAPS soon! It’s been such a learning experience! xx

      Reply
  10. Shaina|

    I don’t you but I’m a longtime reader. I just audibly shouted yay! When reading this. Congratulations!

    Reply
  11. Elizabeth|

    Congratulations !!!
    Would LOVE a post about GAPS and health. And the supplements that have helped you!!!!

    Reply
  12. Marcia|

    Millions of happy tears for you my friend, a baby! I just welcomed a little guy two months ago and — best. job. ever. I wish you a smooth (and quick!) delivery! You look gorgeous, savor every moment, pregnancy is such an incredibly special time. Yay, babies!!!

    Reply
  13. Nikki|

    So so happy for your family! What a sweet and precious surprise. What a wonderful mommy you will make!
    I’d love to read a GAPS diet blog. I was SCD for two years and am about to go back on it with my three year old so I’d love to hear what you’re eating 😉

    Reply
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  14. Jennifer Kelley|

    Congratulations! I’m also pregnant due in September. I’m excited to see how your blog evolves and looking forward to nursery inspiration! When are you due?

    Reply
  15. Jeanette Watson|

    Congratulations Sarah! Justin and I are due in two weeks. It’s been an incredible, wild ride so far and I know there’s so much more excitement to come. XOXO

    Reply
  16. april fournier|

    Hello from the 207! I have been following all of your adventures after seeing your mom again at the Tri for a Cure a few years ago. You look gorgeous and over the moon happy. You’re going to be just great at this. Congratulations and enjoy it!!

    Reply
  17. R. Lindley|

    I was so worried when you stopped posting, When I saw your exciting news, I was so happy. Just from what I have seen from your site, I know you will be a great Mom! Congratulations!

    Reply
  18. Abby|

    Congratulations! Thank you for sharing. I can totally picture Lou dancing around happy and your description just made me smile. 🙂 I’m just sorry you were panicking at the time, but it seems you are now riding the waves of change in stride and in style! Don’t hesitate to ask us if there is anything we can do. For reals!

    Reply
  19. Kelsey|

    You’re back!!!! I am so excited! Congratulations on the wonderful news. I hope you decide to continue blogging along the way. Your posts are something I always look forward to 🙂

    Reply
  20. Sharda|

    huge congrats… you will make the best Mama!…can you please do a post on the gaps diet would love to find out more. thanks sharda

    Reply
  21. Jenn - Newschool Nomads|

    Wow wow wow! Congratulations. This is so exciting. I’m a more recent reader and came across your site looking for design ideas for our new house after traveling for four years in an RV with family. We planned on doing one year like you were but fell in love with it and kept going. I’m not big on lifestyle blogs bc so many are seem so materialistic but something about your tone is sweet and very authentic. And your photos are gorgeous. Anyway congrats again! And you could still travel if you really wanted to (and your health permits it). I had two pregnancies in those four years. One of my babies was even born in the RV! But transitioning to that lifestyle and being pregnant with your first might be a lot! I had been traveling for 2 years when we accidentally got pregnant with our third. If you ever have any questions about the fulltime nomad feel free to reach out! Best-Jenn 🙂

    Reply
  22. Sarah|

    I was wondering where you went! And such fantastic news to see — such a wonderful reason why!! Also, I would love to hear more about the gaps diet. I have several family members who struggle with things like Crohns disease and hashimoto’s, so I think it could be really beneficial 🙂

    So excited for you!

    x Sarah
    http://www.bohochiccafe.com

    Reply
  23. Amanda @ A.Co est. 1984|

    My mouth gapped open as I just happened to come over to your blog thinking there wouldn’t be anything new (againg <3) and then this!! OMG!!!! SO HAPPY AND SO EXCITED for you and Lou, Sarah!! WOW!! What a great post–thanks for sharing, such a cool, unexpected, open (wouldn't expect anything less from your lovely self!) and lovely post!! YAY!!!! BIG HUG to you and a huuuuuge smile on my face for you guys!!

    Reply
  24. Tania|

    This is such happy news, as I have followed you for so long and I remember you mentioning that you weren’t sure about having a baby at some point. You and Lou are such wonderful people that you will definitely be the best of parents. Congrats and cheers!

    xx,
    Tania
    http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  25. Anne|

    Dear Sarah,
    First of all congratulations for this good new :). I’ve been reading your blog for a while and have never left any comments, but I wanted to thank you for sharing about your disease on your blog. I am French and I have the Crohn disease, and you can’t imagine how helpful it is to read your posts! I am really interested about the Gasps diet and everything about heathy eating and lifestyle, so could you please write a post about it?
    Thank you so much again, I wish you all the best 🙂

    Reply
  26. Jennifer|

    While I selfishly hope you’ll be back on a more regular basis, I’m thrilled to learn why you were absent. Congratulations and wishing you and your growing family life’s greatest blessings.

    Reply
  27. Anne Ingman|

    Thrilled for you, Sarah! Parenthood is a wild ride, and I’m excited for all that is to come for you and Lou! Congratulations!

    Reply
  28. Clare|

    What wonderful news, Sarah…thanks for sharing your excitement and joy which is very infectious! And I agree with Julie – you look beautiful in that dress – best wishes to you and your family!

    Reply
  29. Catherine Holmes|

    I just so happened to stumble upon your site while looking for mature lifestyle blogs to learn from, and the very first thing I see is this wonderful news!
    Congratulations!
    On a side note, I love your site.

    Reply
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  42. Laura|

    Hi Sarah! I just found your lovely website! We’re just about to move from London to California – my husband is landing in LA as we speak to go house hunting! Congrats on bumpy! I was diagnosed with Crohns 15 years ago, and now have 2 very energetic boys aged 5yrs and 2yrs! Good luck with everything, and looking forward to reading your posts x

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  43. Fariha|

    Such a beautiful moment of finding out that your family is expanding with a new little one. Congratulations! That dress looks great on you and I’m so glad i just found your blog through Bloglovin. Looking forward to reading more posts.

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  44. Yasmin|

    I am so happy for you and I am more than confident that you’re going to be an amazing mommy!!! By the way, you look beautiful!

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    I also have Crohn’s disease and am always appreciative of when you share your experiences.
    You look wonderful, the dress is adorable!

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