7 on the 7th: pregnancy favorites

Yesterday marked the halfway point! 20 weeks! I cannot believe we are 20 weeks away from meeting out baby girl! This month I am resuming my 7 on the 7th posts by sharing my 7 favorites during this pregnancy so far.

1. Waiting in Wonder devotional journal: My mom gave me this sweet book for me to document my pregnancy. I love the scripture that fills each reading and the space for writing prayers and things to remember.

2. Bubbies Pickles: So cliche, right?! In all seriousness, I haven't really craved any certain foods. I just enjoy them all more than usual. Which for a food lover like myself, is a lot. Hands down, these are my favorite store bought pickles ever. The flavor is superb. I also love the health benefits of these particular pickles. The Bubbies brand uses lactic acid fermentation to make their pickles and sauerkraut. Fermented foods, such as certain sauerkraut, pickles, and kefir, contain probiotics which promote healthy gut function. Great taste + health benefits = a win win. You can find them at most health food stores or co-ops.

3. Maternity Clothes: A couple weeks ago I transitioned from regular to maternity clothes. I had been squeezing into making do with my clothes for as long as I could. I'd used the Belly Band only to have it roll down my hips and look awkward. I'd tried the pony tail holder trick only to have a it fly off my pants at random times. Both of these tricks worked at first, but as the sweet lady helping me in Motherhood Maternity said, "If you're having to "make do" with your regular clothes, it's time to invest in maternity clothes!" Such truth! For a girl who always searches for longer shirts to cover my long torso, I am so pleased with the fact that I can wear shirts that are long enough to cover my growing belly. The lovely world of maternity pants and clothes is magical and oh so comfortable.

4. Body Butter: While at Motherhood Maternity, I received a promotion of a free skin care item. I selected the Lavender & Vanilla Body Boost Butter. Not only do I love the soft scent, I love the way it makes my skin feel. As your skin expands and stretches, it itches. I've found using this body butter along with coconut oil has helped the best.

5. The Bump App: Baby Girl is about the size of a banana right now according to the Bump App I keep up with on my phone. I love the little insights the app provides regarding the growth and development at each week. I also love how they equate her size to produce. It's like they know my love language is food.

6. Peppermint Essential Oil: I am thankful to say morning sickness has only affected me a handful of times. I have noticed a tendency to get motion sickness in the car. The few times I have experienced it, peppermint essential oil is my go-to. Just inhaling the minty goodness alleviates my nausea. It is also a great pick-me-up when I am feeling tired. Naps are also great for that too!

7. Psalm 149: This chapter has always been one that comforts me. Now it is even more special. Especially verses 13-18. How I pray our sweet girl knows she is fearfully and wonderfully made and thought about more than she can imagine by our Creator.

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb.

I will give thanks to You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, 

and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;

And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, 

When as yet there was not one of them. 

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! 

How vast the sum of them!

If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. 

When I awake, I am still with You.

The past 20 weeks have been wonderful. I so look forward to the next 20 and meeting our baby girl!

Do you have any pregnancy favorites? I'd love to hear them!