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Pregnancy Update: It’s Almost Time to Meet Our Baby Girl!


Well, the day is ALMOST here! I thought I would log in an do a brief little journal entry as to how I’m feeling, now that I’m at the finish line. I have to say – while this is only my second pregnancy (and likely my last! LOL) it was NOT an easy one. Every pregnancy is different for everyone and my heart goes out to mamas out there who have medical conditions, depression, several children already and who are single moms … because going through a tough pregnancy … is the hardest thing I think I’ve had to go through in a LONG time, and I probably had it good compared to others!

Well, I’ll try not to complain too much but I also want to be honest. When I was pregnant with Leo, I was ON TOP OF THE WORLD. I was happier, more present, had more energy … I was one of “those annoying pregnant ladies” … in fact, I COULDN’T WAIT to get pregnant again!

Jillian Harris Pregnancy Update

This time around, not so much. My first trimester, I was so sick and tired that I truly didn’t feel myself. I was just a mess. I couldn’t work the same, I hated food, was too sick and tired to cook or play or clean (even shop! LOL). Second trimester was “ok” … although all I craved was red wine and so that was torture in itself LOL … and now the third trimester. Anxiety, insomnia, feeling anti-social, major aches and pains, restlessness, fogginess, emotional … (I MEAN EMOTIONAL)you name it!! People ask me how I’m doing and I don’t hold back “ugh horrible! LOL”!! Luckily, so far everyone is healthy so I am grateful for that … but I am not sure I can ever go through another pregnancy again, and I am PRAYING these symptoms go away once the baby comes.

Jillian Harris Pregnancy Update

As most of you know, I am a true busybody. I LOVE working and I love keeping busy. I can probably count on one hand how many times my ass has hit my couch in the last year!! LOL! I didn’t really take “slowing down” during pregnancy seriously, however, I did book 2 weeks off BEFORE my due date so I could get some bonding time with Leo. My plan was to go “pedal to the metal” until that break and then slow down for the few weeks before delivery. But, after my last two appointments, we pretty much came to the conclusion that the baby would likely be coming early. Due to a thin cervix and already dilating at 35 weeks, my (wonderful) doctor who knows me ALL too well and had already asked me a few times to slow down … finally, put the hammer down and asked me to completely stop working on my feet even earlier.

Jillian Harris Pregnancy Update

There was a part of me that was excited to have MORE time off before baby, but also mixed emotions. I don’t sit still well. I like to keep busy and moving and I feel like there is SO much left to do. We had crammed so many shoots and obligations into September which meant having lots of conversations with partners about how to shift the schedule and move forward. Luckily a lot of it was already shot and so the team is helping me make sure everything runs smoothly from here. I had envisioned lots of visits to the park, walks with Leo, scrubbing the house down, organizing the nursery, purging, cooking all in the final weeks … now I can’t do much of that. So … here I am pouring my heart out to you!! LOL! I also felt a mix of guilt for the Love it or List it crew. When I can’t work, usually they can’t work and so that means everyone on the crew is getting a break and not everyone wants that break from work and so in a way, I felt like I failed them (adding to the anxiety!).

So, if there are any mamas out there struggling with your pregnancy, YOU ARE NOT ALONE … my goodness growing a human is hard enough as it is … but when you add all the other crap we have to deal with physically and emotionally… it truly is a miracle! LOL!! All in all, I have SO much to be grateful for. We have a beautiful roof over our heads, new clothes waiting for baby, a healthy family and heaps of help and so we are in good shape, but I’ve had so many readers ask me for an update and I wasn’t about to sugar coat it! LOL …

Thank you all for your love and support during this pregnancy. From readers to followers to brands and fans … you all have shown our family so much love, kindness, and generosity. It truly does make this motherhood thing a little easier and it also inspires me to give this love (and sometimes stuff) back to others. I promise always to pay my gratitude forward!!

Ok … next update … you’ll be meeting little Miss 🙂

Until then …

xo

Jilly


Leave a Reply

  1. Please take care of yourself. I know how hard it is to juggle work and kids. Take a deep breath and delegate. Get a massage, swim, play. Pay attention to your feelings and don’t be afraid to ask for help or even cry your head off. It’s tough and gets harder the older they get. Prayers for a healthy delivery and turn off the outside world for a little while. Alone time is also recommended.

  2. Hang in there. You’re doing great. I went into preterm labor at 25 weeks. They were able to stop it. Again at 28 weeks. Just take it day to day. I was in bed rest for a thinned cervix as well. Starting about 28 weeks. Made it to 37w 5d with listening to the docs! He’s now 9 and such a sweet boy!

  3. Jillian. Take care of yourself and don’t be shy to ask for help. Can’t wait to see pictures if your new addition :). Love from Ottawa

  4. Jill, you truly are incredible! It’s amazing how different a second pregnancy can be! Especially when you are trying to take care of a toddler, work, and run a household. Women truly are amazing! I struggled a lot anxiety with my second pregnancy and started having panic attacks that I needed this baby out (the doctors also kept telling me how big my little guy was). I was the same as you, I had planned to work until 39 weeks as I was late with my daughter. I had taken a few days off, repainted our bathroom and decided that I was really done working. Well the next day my little guy showed up and turned out he was 7lbs 14oz so not near as big as what they had told me! For me anyways the anxiety went away and the panic attacks etc, but then a whole new world of worries showed up! How to take care of two little humans under two! My son is now 5 months old and I’m getting the hang of it now. I wish you nothing but luck with your delivery and I am so looking forward to seeing photos and finding out your sweet little girls name! Good luck with everything xoxo.

  5. Keeping you all in my prayers for a healthy baby ?? ? ??All your feelings are quite normal..at least for me. Wait till menopause..It all starts again with no baby at the end ?

  6. I have read a few of your blogs this one around. We seem to have babies the same year and oddly same sex of each year lol. I just wanted to share that I was the same with my son I was so thankful to actually be able to carry him at 41 years old and after two miscarriages. I had tons of energy went on light duties (I drive trains for a living) I would walk on my lunch breaks was so happy. When pregnant with my daughter who I had in Kelowna July 24Th 2018 I was yet thankful for a surprise pregnancy but wow she sucked the life out of me ( still is haha) I had so many complications and ended up getting blood clots which nearly killed me, ( I blame working too long lol) . But what was and is even worse is that nasty anxiety feeling I had before giving birth and after. She is 7 weeks old now and I still have it but it is going away, the emotional part also wow , pretty much throughout my pregnancy and lasted about threeish weeks after and emotional I mean emotional, I would cry at the drop of a hat. But I guess my point is it will go away and fast. There is nothing better than finally holding your daughter and their eyes finally looking at you, that bond is such a crazy feeling. Good luck on the birth of your baby girl and the crazy feelings we may not have felt with our sons does go away fast.

  7. Good wishes for an easy healthy delivery. Looking forward to seeing your new angel. You are truly an amazing lady and mother ??

  8. Awww Jilly you are doing so good, you need a little ME time in between. Don’t feel guilty at all. You’ve been working like crazy! I know you have help so that’s good, hopefully they are still helping while you lounge in bed or on your couch. Take it easy now until little miss gets here. Rest, relax & remember to breath! Everything is how it’s supposed to be. I follow you daily & enjoy your posts, I can finally see tho that you are getting tired now. Time to slow it down. Big hugs

  9. Thank you for being so raw, open and honest!! Best of luck as you eagerly and anxiously await the birth of your little girl! Sending love and positivity your way. xo

  10. Thank you for being so honest!!! I’m 5 and a half months pregnant right now and I honestly hate being pregnant. I am so excited to be meeting my little man but I haven’t slept well since I was 8 weeks pregnant, I have a pinched sciatic nerve, I am constantly exhausted and flustered- my memory is crap with this pregnancy, I get headaches, nose bleeds, stuffed up sinus etc. It’s not easy on your body and everyone expects me to be “that happy pregnant lady” and I’m just not. I want to be but I cannot wait for this baby to come out! -just not early! So many mixed emotions. I don’t cry much but I get unusually angry quickly which isn’t me at all. Hoping I will feel like myself again after. ?

    Wishing you all the best in your last few weeks with Leo alone and hoping you have a safe and speedy delivery with baby girl! Can’t wait to see all your posts with her in her cute outfit!

  11. I love your pic of you and Jason lying next to each other. It is just beautiful! Good luck with all that lies ahead. I had rough pregnancies x3. But all worth it! ❤️

  12. Ugh, I hear you! The first time around I was great and loved it. Second time ( much easier than your first trimester as I wasn’t sick) but the other too. Wow and everything is happening so much earlier. 33 weeks tomorrow and I feel like 42 weeks while chasing a two-year-old and trying to keep up with a job that has a high level of stress to begin with and the company is in some financial turmoil. It’s been grand. I just want this little boy to get here but Inalso have nothing ready for him soooo. The good news I have everything from the first time around, the bad news is it’s scattered in the basement, the two-year-olds room needs to be moved, etc. oh and I have a husband that travels for work, like, a lot. Thank you for your honesty! Rainbows and butterflies all the time would be boring right??!! :/

  13. Hang in there Jillian! You are doing amazingly well for nine months pregnant! Looking forward to meeting your ‘little Miss’!!!

  14. Thank you for being so honest! I’m 8 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby and I can’t work or even leave my bed because of severe all day morning sickness. Not many people know that I’m pregnant and I feel so alone in my misery. Somehow it feels like nobody else has it as bad and on top of that I feel guilty for complaining when I know how lucky I am to be pregnant. Your post helped make me feel not so alone in finding pregnancies hard. Thank you!

  15. Lots of prayers and hugs for you! I’m also pregnant and just had to step back from my law practice, you are not alone! Those feelings of letting everyone down and self-disappointment are normal when you have a lot of people depending on you. This is my fifth so it is the first time I have been able to *sometimes* keep the perspective that this is all TEMPORARY and a year from now you won’t even remember it, or care that your house was dirty. And your children will be happy and adjusted and super proud of their amazing mom, and they for sure won’t care if the house was dirty either! And you’ll be drinking wine, and your energy will be back and have your body all to yourself again. And you don’t have to shop for mumus anymore, woot woot! Someday you’ll look back and think “why did I let those things even bother me!?” So for now just rest, this may be the last time you do that for many many years. And if you don’t take care of yourself, how on earth can you continue to take care of everyone else!? Best wishes to you and your family!

  16. My son Parker just turned 2 and my daughter Charlotte just turned 8 months and when I came home from the hospital after delivery via csection I balled my eyes out as I felt guilty for having another tiny human that would occupy more of my time… but really what better gift to give our sons… a little sister!!!
    Needless to say it’s a wonderful life but a very busy one!!

    Good luck and hang in there xox

  17. Thank you for being so real! I’m 39 weeks and have struggled through this entire pregnancy. I was taken off work at 32 weeks and haven’t been able to do much around the house. It has been so hard just sitting around waiting, but it’s what is best for me and the baby. I can’t wait to meet him and that’s what keeps me going. Pregnancy is no picnic – you’re one tough mama!! Xoxo

  18. I just had my second. He is a month old today and my oldest is 21 months. I had a lot of the same feelings during my second pregnancy as well. I’m a SAHM mom but still felt a lot of the same ways you did. I also was SUPER emotional in the end about changing our routine and anxious about how I would love a new baby. I know it’s cliche, but you will have so much room in your heart once you meet your girl. Loving my baby came easy. The first two weeks though, everytime I looked at my oldest I cried. Cried because I was so happy and felt so lucky and cried because I know i had just rocked her world completely. I have to say though that I feel so lucky and got over that so quickly. I don’t have time for myself and life is hectic but i am seriously loving every minute of itZ even more than I did the first time. Life with two is busy, but SO fun. I can’t wait to see Leo interacting with his sister. Your family is so beautiful. I always tell my husband this and now I’ll tell you. Work will alwayssss be there. You might need to take a break but once you go back it will be like you never left. However everyday your babies are getting older. Those are the times you can’t get back. Try to enjoy the down time.

  19. Bless you Jillian and your Sweet family, The beautiful part of Gods Creative Miracle is that yes… Once you meet your new baby girl? All the previous weeks & months will slide away from your mind .. If the memory didn’t fade? We would probably have far less pregnancy repeats ?
    Take care and Many Congratulations

  20. You are an amazing momma, wife, friend, coworker, boss, and every other hat you wear so well! These feelings are completely normal, but trust me when I say that everyone understands you needing to take the break and be off your feet. Please try not to put worries about what those around you think, on your back. You are juggling enough and don’t need that stress for you or baby girl!! You have a wonderful support system surrounding you, its time to hang up your superwoman cape (only for a little bit, because I know you can’t stay away too long!) and take the break, let others help, and just relax with your beautiful little family. No one will think any less of you for it. I promise.

    I can’t wait to “meet” baby girl when she arrives! I hope the next couple weeks are filled with love and relaxation with Leo and that baby girl enters this world safely. Hugs to you!

  21. I’m at 35 weeks also and I’m right there with you. I feel like everything you said came right from my mouth. It’s been soooo different this pregnancy. When I was pregnant with my son I felt the same way; on top of the world, more energy than ever, all good things. This time around has been a whirlwind of emotions and feelings. But I feel that we can only prepare so much. I think the idea of not having a hold on everything like we did the first time is hard! Nesting isn’t as calming and beautiful as it was the first time. Hahaha But I think it’s a way of preparing us for what life will be like with 2. Things won’t always line up just so and the plans we have won’t be what we intended most of the time, but that’s ok. This is the season of life that we are in and it won’t last forever, the good and the not so good. I hope you are able to enjoy the rest of this time before your little Miss comes 🙂

  22. Love this post as I am just a few months behind you in pregnancy with our first which is a little girl! So reassuring knowing I am not the only one feeling that exact same way. Have to take it one day at a time and give ourself grace!

    Comfortable dresses have been the one thing I really can comfortably wear!
    Where is your adorable pink dress from in this post?!

  23. Hearing all about your second pregnancy makes me feel good! ? for me, it was my first one and it was pretty hard. Having to work with special needs kids ans coming back home being able to do nithing but sit my but on the sofa. It’s hard to feel like you can’t do nothing when on the other side you are someone who always has something planned or finds sonething to do. Thanks for sharing it. I wish you a nice last few weeks and a nice delivery. As we will probably be a few days apart.

  24. Thank you, thank you for your honesty and realness. I’m pregnant with baby number two and had an amazing first pregnancy. I’ve been so sick, nauseas and exhausted during the first trimester and it’s carried into the second. Yes, I’m grateful I’m expecting another baby and yes, I’m grateful that we are all healthy and have all of our needs met and more. But feeling sick most of the time sucks. I’ve had to postpone a few different projects I was so pumped about and my motivation and emotions are low. Hoping this passes for you and me! And if not, solidarity mama ?

  25. No it’s not easy Jill. I’m a single mom of 3. My kids are 13, 9, and 2. My two oldest kids are girls, and they are such a HUGE help with my 2 yr old son. I never knew boys could be so active. My third pregnancy was the worst. So I can completely relate.

    You have such a beautiful family. Leo is the cutest . Nacho is hilarious.

  26. Good luck dear, once you hold your baby girl all these emotions will turn to joy and happiness. ( I was in same boat a year ago!!! Lol) Wish you smooth delivery , God bless you and your beautiful family. Send you lots of love

  27. You are almost there! Relax, knowing this! And, soon you will welcome a brand new HUMAN BEING! Soo,,J!!….how amazing is that! This is what struck me the most! Never got any of that kind of comments from my Mom- she was “the other generation!- NO! no crying allowed,… Basically show NO emotions! damnit! I say, OK to be super excited! I know your Mom is same generation as me! So, you are all good! Glad to have met you all in Cabos, Mexico, for your cousin’s wedding!… And, atfer Baby Girl comes onto the scene- get yourself busy to do a LOVELY, LOVING WEDDING! Makes us “OLD people” happy to share in that celebration! Yes, I do have 1 marrie dwith 3 magificent Grands, & the other in a commited relationship- NOT married…..but, what the heck is with this to just get a MOST FAB. certificate! Seriously! Ok, all for now! Absolutely amazed at how you can share with all of us!! Also, very Grateful! Much love, Heather xoxox

  28. Hope you are feeling better soon. You are an inspiration and an amazing Mama. My daughter is due in January and hasn’t been feeling the greatest either. We are so blessed to be Mom’s and can’t wait to meet your beautiful new little one. Take care and rest your red wine will be coming soon.

  29. I am fairly new follower but have enjoyed your honesty as you go through life. Excited for your family to grow. Best wished to you all

  30. Congratulations Jillian, Justin and Leo!! ?? I also wish that you would bring back your show…
    Jillian and Justin! I so loved watching it ! Best wishes to you and your family.. from one Kelownian to another. ??

  31. Well done on not sugar coating it! I was the same with my second pregnancy and the moment my little lady was born I started feeling like myself again, like a huge weight was lifted. I hope the same thing happens for you, not too much longer and every pregnant moment will be worth it xoxoxoxo hang in there ?

  32. Hi Jillian

    I love how real this post is and how real you have been about your pregnancy experience this time around. I am also expecting with baby number two and havent had the pregnancy I was hoping for. But I feel like everyone wants to hear how happy I am and expects me to be “glowing” which I am absolutely NOT!!
    Pregnancy can be hard and feel like a long journey when you are feeling well or like yourself. It’s a lot of work growing a tiny human inside you!Thank you again for being so relatable and honest.
    Ps. Where is that cute blush dress from?

  33. Best of luck Jillian during your Labour & delivery. I’m sure it will go smooth.
    I’m a post partum nurse and have had 2 pregnancies that went well.
    Can’t wait to meet the little Miss.

  34. Wow so sorry to hear that you had such a hard pregnancy this time around. You always looked beautiful and refreshed. I guess you hid it well. Blessings to you and your family on the very soon arrival of your new baby girl. Can’t wait to see pics of her. Congrats Jillian and family.

  35. Thank you for this post!! I feel like I’m not alone! I am 14 weeks pregnant, first baby and my pregnancy has been challenging so far. Haven’t gone a day without throwing up. Feel sooo tired all the time. So many food aversions. Puke every time I try and feed the dog. Feel like it’s been a very very bad hangover for the last couple months.. without any of the fun!!

  36. Jillian. I just want to say I follow you on fb and instagram. I wake up in the am and your post and kaitlyns are what get me motivated and through my day with humour. I have been A single mom for 8 years. I had a horrific pregnancy and can empathize with you on so many levels.
    I just want to say thank you for still doing insta stories and entertaining all of us even when you are feeling less than in the mood. I wish you all the best with the birth of your soon to be beautiful daughter.

    Cheers
    Devon.

    Ps – dreaming tree “crush” is an amazing red if you are looking for one to crack open after your daughter is born :))

  37. I have been pregnant 3 times and each one was so different. My only two sense is really try to relax and nap as much as you can. Yourbody is telling you something and although you feel guilty for staying still now it’s better than feeling guilt in the future. Look forward to seeing the little squish! X

  38. I’m so excited for you to see your beautiful baby girl
    Thank you so much for being so honest about your pregnancy journey.

  39. I needed to read that. I’m currently 8 weeks pregnant with my second and my first is 10.5 months old. I felt amazing my first pregnancy, never felt sick, had so much energy and I was the happiest I’ve ever felt in my whole life. I loved every second of it. Once baby came out I was so in love and even happier then before. Motherhood came so easy to me and my baby slept and ate so well. Since finding out I’m pregnant I feel horrible, I’m so sick I’m so tired. My poor daughter gets no attention. Someone’s I lay on the couch and cut food up for her and just let her eat off the floor. I’m like a zombie who doesn’t do or enjoy anything. Every day my husband gets home I just cry cause I feel like a bad mom that I got pregnant to fast or I don’t give my daughter attention. I pray I’ll feel better in the second and third trimester but I’m not holding my breath.

  40. I just love how honest and candid you are about pregnancy! Best of Luck over the next few weeks! I’ve recently found out that I am pregnant..Luckily my first trimester has been a breeze (I hope the rest of my pregnancy goes as well). I have enjoyed following your pregnancy journey and loved all your Insta stories! You are so relatable and I’ve scored so many ideas and awesome Canadian brands from your post! Cant wait to see your new baby girl! Rest…Relax and Enjoy xo

  41. You are the cutest darn lady in the world. I saw you in Abbotsford one day in a gas station when you were pregnant with Leo. It was all I could do to not run and hug you. Congrats Jillian. I’m dyeing to know her name ??

  42. Have you considered encapsulating you’re placenta? This can do wonders for your post- baby recovery physically and emotionally. It’s also easy to set up quickly once you find someone you feel good about.

  43. I married late in life and lucky to have my forever husband, but one thing is that we couldnt do is have children, so although your journey with each child as been difficult at times, I could read and feel your excitement and fill the gaps that I would never be able to experience. I wish your lovely family great joy at this time and Thank you for sharing with all of us. The best is yet to come!!!

  44. Girl I feel you. I just started my second trimester and I’m finally starting to feel a little human again. But just like you so sick, so tired and just keep reminding myself it’s worth it. It’s hard when you want to be enjoying the journey but you just don’t feel like yourself! Wishing you all the best in your new adventures xoxo

  45. Thanks for this! I have a son the same age as Leo and am due with my girl Oct 9th…the guilt is real, and sometimes I feel like I’m the only one who is so busy at work/at home and trying to balance it all. Always feels better to hear you’re not alone.

  46. Hi Jillian,
    You look amazing! The only advice I have for you, would be to watch for. postpartum depression after the baby comes. So many women, people, do not talk about it but for me it happened with the first baby. I never had scary thoughts but I cried non-stop. I cried because I was crying? it was awful. The anxiety was through the roof, and my daughter was very colicky, which didn’t help matters. It lasted a full three months and luckily I snapped out of it on my own. My husband was amazing but he knew something was off after about three weeks when I was still balling my head off all day. If you feel sad for longer than a week or two- please let your doctor know!
    Best of luck with the new lil one:-)

  47. Dear Jillian
    You have accomplished so much and your new darling baby for you and Justin and Leo will be your biggest accomplishment by far.

    God has definitely blessed you both with amazing parents and family to support you.
    And now as you complete your little family I pray that your delivery will go well and this little darling girl will be just as sweet as Leo is.
    To have never met Leo And only see him on instagram I can say his actions and demeanour is so apparent that he is an amazing sweet and know and child that you have been blessed with.
    Take time to be with your family now and cherish every moment.
    Prayers for you as you bring your little baby girl into this world and will pray for strength for both you and Justin…… and Leo!

  48. Hi Jillian, I’ve only just started seeing your show in Australia on Foxtel so obviously it was filmed prior to Leo and now there’s another Bub on the way.
    Love watching ‘Love it or List it’ and now Jillian and Justin You’re so very candid and honest, very refreshing.
    Good luck with the birth of your baby girl.
    All the best
    Cheryl ?

  49. You’re doing such an amazing job balancing everything!! Hang in there – you’ve got this! Looking forward to meeting this little princess ? ? XOX

  50. Thank you for sharing your pregnancy story Jillian! I truly wish you and Justin the very best with the delivery of your precious baby girl. I am very excited to meet the new addition.

  51. Thanks for writing this post. I am at the end of my second pregnancy and feel the exact same way. It has been such achallenging journey – depression, nausea, anxiety, ages and pains. I feel grateful to have gotten pregnant but found it so hard. More women should talk about the 10 month process and all the challenges… men would! 😉

  52. In the fourth picture, it looks like you are giving birth to Nacho. ? ? Sorry this one has been so tough. Good luck with your delivery with baby girl!

    ?? ??

  53. In the fourth picture, it looks like you are giving birth to Nacho. ?? Sorry this one has been so tough. Good luck with your delivery with baby girl.

    ?? ??

  54. I had an almost identical experience with both my pregnancies. My first, boy, was the best pregnancy. I loved being pregnant and was for sure one of those annoying pregnant ladies. This time around with my daugther, not so much, I felt exactly how you have. I gave birth in Kelowna, August 20th. I can say it was, for me, like an instant relief. Of course there is pain and healing in the lower region ? but honestly it was manageable in comparison to how I felt while I was pregnant. It was like an instant pressure release! I swear lol. I don’t know how else to describe it. I totally feel your pain! You’re almost there ? I also had a million to dos in the last few weeks I wanted to get done, but felt like such crap, it just wasn’t possible. I can say though, after our girl came, all the tasks I had in mind didn’t matter anymore. I truly didn’t care. I also have alot of family and support close by, and find myself truly loving all the support. Enjoy the last little while, relax and bond with your little Leo. I hope you have a smooth delivery, and notice while you’re at the hospital that every time a new baby is born you’ll hear chimes. It’s so sweet. You got this ?

  55. Best of Luck, can’t wsit to meet your beautiful little bundle of joy!! Oh & Please take it from now on as you’ll need rest up fir baby & Leo!???

  56. I had three boys and then a girl in 6 years. By far my daughters pregnancy was the hardest. First trimester sickness really got to me, I could hardly function. And then the anxiety hit, along with crazy symptoms like loss of vision with migraines, and one trip to emerg for a potentially dangerous complication. All this fed my anxiety. I was a mess by the time I had her. BUT within 3 months the intensity of all the hormonal craziness had subsided. I was back to my usual self and able to talk myself down from my anxious thoughts. When pregnant with my daughter I thought for sure I was headed down the path of post partum depression but I was wrong. I felt free as soon as I had her, obviously over the moon to have my girl and relieved to have 4 healthy children and moving forward with my now perfectly complete family.

  57. So proud of my fellow okanagan girl!! Yes try and get some rest . Soon you will have your baby ?? girl in your arms. You deserve some down time!!! Sending ?from the Shuswap??????

  58. Thank you for your honesty with this post! I’m 15 weeks and it has been hard! I was so sick for the first two months, still have morning sickness and don’t feel like myself…which then makes me stress about not enjoying pregnancy so far. I’m hoping I can get back to normal eating and workout routines soon that will help me feel “normal” again. It’s so nice to get a perspective that isn’t rainbows and unicorns – pregnancy isn’t always great!

  59. Good luck with your delivery! I also had 2016 and 2018 babies and found the second labour much faster and easier recovery. Somehow the first time around the newborn feels like so much work and now the newborn seems like the easy one compared to chasing after a toddler.

  60. Love your honesty and candor! I really appreciate you feature small Canadian baby brands, I love supporting Canadian and their stuff is suck great quality!
    Good luck with labour (hopefully it’s quick but not too quick!) and I look forward to seeing pics of your new babe! Love from a Winnipeg mama xoxo

  61. I know we all hear about postpartum depression but you can also experience similar symptoms during pregnancy as well. Stay open with your doctor and take care ❤️

  62. I definitely had lots of similar feelings and I was almost embarrassed to tell people that I hated being pregnant. Every time someone asked how I was feeling I wanted to cry but lied through my teeth to avoid judgement. Luckily, after talking openly with friends I realized about 50% of us didn’t like being pregnant and it was OK to voice it without feeling guilty. I totally get you girl! Good luck with everything !

  63. Thanks for your fantastic post Jillian. Just started following you from Sydney Australia a few weeks ago. Just want to tell you I’m a huge fan of Love it or List it and just LOVE your decorating style. I think in the last six months I have crammed in about four seasons of Love it or List it. You guys are so funny too. Great to see you have had baby Leo and now expecting a little girl, so exciting. I have 2 boys and a girl, all in there late teens so your fun is only just beginning LOL. Good luck with everything and I will be following all your stories and watching more episodes. ??

  64. It’s funny how we plan out everything we’re going to do before baby arrives, but they’re not always on the same schedule. I gave birth 4 months ago at 35+5 weeks to a completely healthy beautiful boy, but we still hadn’t finished the nursery and I was still scheduled to work. Things don’t always go according to plan lol relax and take it easy! All the best to you guy!!

  65. Jillian!!!

    The cocktail of hormones surging your body as it preps and tells it to go into labour is no friggin joke!

    I was 4 cms for over a month and basically taking it easy allowed for me to stay pregnant until 38 weeks! What a heaven sent blessing when my son was born because he was already 8 pounds at 38 weeks.

    All the best with your upcoming delivery! Make your hospital room a safe and loving space. I suspect you will keep it real postpartum but know that some spectrum depression afterwards is normal for some women too! Breaking that stigma is still happening for many women. But my goodness, just because birth happens every day doesn’t make it less a miracle or an experience you will likely forget. It changes you! You’re amazing!

  66. I felt the same as you with my first pregnancy and there is so much guilt now that this time around I’m not enjoying it as much. Like you, I was that annoying pregnant lady “oh my I love being pregnant!” I’m due a month after you, and I feel enormous, uncomfortable, tired, emotional, guilty, anxious…. everything pretty much. I say we just hang in there and things will get better once little babe comes, and we start to slowly feel like ourselves again. Btw, I think my son and Leo would be cute friends. All the best to you, and I hope everything goes well with labor and delivery. Xo

  67. My oldest is 26 months old and my youngest is almost 7 months old and I couldn’t agree with your post more. My second pregnancy was awful, I cried everyday and kept saying to my husband “I can’t do this”. I promise you that when you meet your little girl it will all lift and you will be the happiest your have ever been. At least it was that way for me. Wishing you the best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy. I definitely found insomnia horrible in my final weeks of pregnancy and leaned on essential oils. Hot bath every night with some Epsom salts and lavender usually helped! It wasn’t unusual for me to be drawing a bath at 2am either lol.

  68. You Have this. – lady! My daughter just passed her 5 month mark. Like you have experienced, it’s not been an easy pregnancy. She unfortunately miscarried 3 little ones before this. We are now past her critical point. She a determined hard working lady. They just bought a new house, selling the old one and she never stops. I love seeing all the baby and children’s brands. So much has changed and you’ve helped me with finding new incredible children’s clothing.

    You’re in the home stretch and before you know it you’ll have a beautiful baby in your arms.

    Wishing you a quick easy delivery! The second one is always easier.

  69. Hang in ther you’re doing an awesome job, it will get better. Just want to wish you well and good luck. Can’t wait to meet Little Miss Princess. God Bless you and your beautiful family ♥️

  70. I can relate! I felt the most beautiful and was the happiest with my first, a boy! Then I got pregnant 15 months later and gave birth to my daughter on my boys 2nd birthday! I’m naturally a busy body and I didn’t slow down either but I didn’t have work to worry about! 🙂
    This little girl might keep you on your toes 🙂 (mine sure does, lol) but now you have someone to shop, and plan pedicures and manicures with! Hang on Momma! It­’s going to be a beautful ride!!
    ­

  71. Jill,
    I really identify with what you’ve written. My second pregnancy just felt like hell and I guess lacked a bit of joy. Of course I was over the moon to have my baby at the end but nothing about the pregnancy felt comfortable.
    Take care of yourself and get in as much cuddles and rest as you can!
    I don’t know if you’ve already decided for sure this is your last but if you change your mind….you can do it. (I’m currently pregnant with our 3rd and I never saw that in our future after the last)
    All the best! I cannot wait to see your new little one and see Leo love his little sis!

  72. So beautiful family <3 In some picture I saw blue doors in Leos playroom. Is that room in the same floor as your livingroom?

  73. Thank you so much “jilly” ! ?? it does mean a lot that you really share your geniuine feelings and life with us. I’m just a normal mama, wife, biz woman in the world! Feeling the same struggles as most working or self employed woman! I wish I had this blog when I was pregnant with my second! I had very early warnings at 28 weeks due to stress, work, having another toddler etc. Right? Anyways, thank you, thank you for what you do! I love watching your insta stories…haha when I cram it in my working day…they are long sometimes!!! Haha ❤️????

  74. Girl pregnancies are tougher then boys. We had two boys then a girl, she was tough!!! They are all 19 months apart. Please coffee ☕️ lol
    Hugs beautiful Momma ?

  75. I’m convinced it’s a boy vs girl thing. My first was a girl and my pregnancy sucked – all of the things you described above. And then I got PPD. My second was a boy and I felt like a super human when I was pregnant with him. Like I could do anything.

    Good luck to you and can’t wait to see her sweet face! Love from Calgary!

  76. Love that you are so real and transparent. Take care and enjoy the little bit of time you have left until your sweet bundle comes. Enjoy your time with Leo and hubby. Good luck with your new addition coming soon

  77. What you are experiencing is normal Jill. Try to live in the moment instead of worrying about what you should be doing. When the baby comes she will also be different.
    My best advice as a Nana is let your parents help you as much as they can. Not everyone lives as close to family but you have that option. Grandparents can rock the baby while you catch a few zzz’s or pick up some needs from the store or take Leo for an afternoon. We love helping with our grandchildren. Little helps mean a lot. When I had babies my parents lived in Manitoba and i was shy to ask anyone for help.
    You are nearly at the end of the pregnancy. Just breathe…

  78. Nothing more important than taking care of yourself Jillian. If mama is happy and rested the kids will be happy too. Wishing you a speedy delivery and lots of snuggle time with Leo and little Miss.
    Your are truly amazing!!

  79. Good luck to you! Praying for a safe delivery. I feel your pain. I had to be in bedrest for 3 months all during the fun holidays…Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas. I was super emotional but I had to do what I could to protect my baby girl and I from dying (since I had Placenta Previa). Can’t wait to see your beautiful pictures of your baby girl.

  80. There’s no two pregnancies are like…and no two kids are like either! Your story will connect with many readers I’m sure ; which is why we love you so much. You are a beautiful, strong momma and you will get through this. Wishing you all the best ❤️

  81. I have the worst pregnancies. I get hypermesis and it’s exhausting, but once the baby is born I feel amazing – almost instantly! I hope once the baby gets here you feel instant relief!

  82. I think moms in general tend to overload their plate so much and you’re left feeling unaccomplished, but in reality you have accomplished more than you think! Most importantly, you need all the rest you can right now because you will have a newborn and a toddler to juggle here soon!! So take a bath and sit on that couch! Lol! Best wishes, Jillian to you, your new little one soon to arrive and to your other two boys! ❤️

  83. I was pregnant with my little one when you were pregnant with Leo I was the sick, exhausted, emotional and basically hating life and reading about your amazing experience and thinking our experiences couldn’t be more different! I’m pregnant again and a similar pregnancy so I really feel for you and couldn’t imagine the difference in feeling good the first time around. At least I knew what I was getting into round 2 haha although feeling so unlike yourself and downright miserable at times is so hard no matter if you knew it was coming. It does get scary too hoping the feelings don’t stay when your newborn is here. I’m happy for you your down to the final weeks and soon your little one in your arms to make it all worth it

  84. Thanks for sharing your journey, but most of all, THANK YOU for the honesty!!! Best of luck and well wishes to you and your family during this incrediblely busy time. Enjoy every second!

  85. I hope the birth goes well & fingers crossed that you do feel better after the babe comes. If you don’t though, be sure to reach out for help. Take good care. ?

  86. Hey Jilly, if you want a really good laugh, Google the Scottish Granny reading the “Wonky Donkey” to her little Grandbaby. It will truly lift your spirits and give you a good belly laugh all at once. Love you and can’t wait to see your new baby girl xoxo

  87. You sound A LOT like me with my second kiddo. I’d request a FULL thyroid panel (not just TSH! But free T3, free T4, reverse T3, hashimotos antibodies and ferretin) about 4 weeks post partum. For the first 2 trimesters the baby depends upon your thyroid until it’s own begins to take over during the third. The aches, brain fog, exhaustion, etc that you describe are very reminiscent of an underproducing thyroid. Additionally, because your body suppresses it’s own immune system during pregnancy (so your body doesn’t make antibodies against the baby) a large percentage of women experience the onset of autoimmune disease (most commonly) hashimotos) after a pregnancy. Get with a good functional medicine dr!

  88. my prayers go out to you. kisses hope the baby comes soon and your feeling your self again kisses beautiful mummy.xxxooo

  89. So excited for you Jillian!!!
    I know it’s hard to stay still when you’re a go getter lol!! I know the feeling!!
    Praying all goes well!
    Will be looking forward to seeing your little girl!!!
    xoxo Clarice

  90. I wonder if the difference is having a baby girl??? I worry because my first pregnancy was amazing and he was a boy too and so many of my girlfriends had girls and such hard pregnancies ?

  91. We have a remedy called “rescue remedy” it could help. You’ve had a different experience, cause of the changed circumstances. Nothing is too important, other than you and yours. Just breathe and try not to stress. Love and light xxx

  92. I totally feel you!! I was put on bedrest with my twins at 28 weeks due to a preterm labour scare. Never felt so anti-social, useless, and blah. You’re doing great!!

  93. Thank you for not sugar coating! From an outsider looking in you seem very well put together, 100% all the time. From one pregnant momma to the next I too feel so anxious and not myself. I was the girl who wanted 4 kids. Now that we’re on our second im struggling. The pain is often unbarable and the sickness is hard to turn a blind eye to and power through. I liked your comment “those annoying pregnant ladies” …… bc I felt the same way, I don’t think I complained once I was stoked to be pregnant again. And now I feel like crap. I do not know who I am, I’m always so down. I’m hopeful second trimester this will pass. ?

  94. Thanks for your honesty. I too had a very difficult second pregnancy with my little peanut who turned out to be a little miss as well. My cervix shortened as well and I was told to slow down, stress from my sis going thru her divorce and having a wee little toddler (after 6 years of fertility) she came exactly 3 weeks early. I felt huge guilt for sure. Today, we have other challenges with her but I thank God daily at least she’s healthy and growing.

  95. Aww I didn’t even realize this pregnancy has been so hard on you. You have still been so inspiring with all you do!! All the best with the delivery of little girl 🙂

  96. Blame it on all those extra female hormones running rampant through you!!! I had two boys and felt great with both pregnancies. Had three miscarriages between the two of them. We say those were our girls!! Most of my friends have had girls and have had the same issues you have experienced!! Best of luck in the coming weeks for an uneventful delivery ?

  97. Good luck! I had twins, and 21 months later had a singleton. The second pregnancy is so much harder – you’re so much busier and you can’t just stop and rest like you can the first time, and the “shine” is off. We’re also finished building a family, I think. I could meet a million other people like our children, but I don’t want to be pregnant or give birth again!

    I had TERRIBLE hormonal aches and pains (I’d cry getting up from the floor when my twins were six months old from knee pain). What worked for me was a stretch-strength based workout. A few chaturangas in the morning and before bed make a huge difference in how I feel after baby, and I really liked PiYo workouts (not a sales person – it’s just what worked for me). Starting it up again after #3, though the postpartum aches and pains haven’t been quite as bad, outside of low back/hips. Core strength will help there.

  98. Hope you finally get the rest you need. Your not alone how you feel. When I was preagnant with my second I was so tired(really my 3rd as my first was a stillborn) and near the last couple of weeks I couldn’t sit long or stand long or lay long. I was living by my grandma at the time. Many times during the day and night I would walk over to her house and sit for 5 mins or sonchat a bit. (More she listened to me lol) and then I go out her back door and back. Home. She was so helpful don’t think she ever realized how much. Anyway sending you prayers love and good vibes your way!!

  99. I completely understand the anxiety of worrying that your symptoms will continue after the delivery. I felt nauseous and miserable my entire pregnancy, and it lasted until the epidural; that was the first time in 9 months that I felt like myself. The only thing that stayed with me is an occasional feeling of nausea from associations my brain formed. Sometimes I will feel super nauseous when I see other pregnant women, almost 2 years postpartum, lol!

  100. Awww. I’m sorry. Girls are hard to carry I think for most women anyway, it’s hard to be miserable, I wish I knew of something to make you feel better. But I don’t really just try to laugh through the tears have a glass of red wine before bed. Your baby is developed your not hurting her in anyway you and her will both get some good rest my doctor used to push me at about month 8 to start having a nightcap because I was always big and delivered big babies 10+ pounds. Can’t wait to see her hang in there things will be normal once again. Soon ?

  101. Jillian please respond to me you are litterally my role model in everything im always trying to be like you and when i get older i wanna be like you, you are so pretty and so happy , and you are everthing every girl wants to be, i dont know what else to say but im happy that im finally commenting, i watch all your vlogs,videos,blogs, everything, love it or list it, its incredible. Just want you to know im exited for new baby and Leo is so cute!! your family is so cute and you are so happy, you are in my prayers and really hope you can talk to me.
    Thanks, love you,
    vanessa

  102. Aww, love the photos and reading the update. Good luck on baby number two! I know I’m excited to see her and I’m not alone.

    Love the rawness of this post!

  103. Best of luck with your second delivery, wishing you a speedy and healthy beautiful baby!!! You will love being a family of four, I also have a daughter (19 now) and a son (15), truly the best of both worlds!!!
    Take time for yourself, your days will be overwhelming with two young ones, so be good to yourself!!!! All the best!!

  104. Good luck Jillian or Jilly Bean I secretly call you lol. Your son is so precious. Enjoy your down time, watch some good movies, Christmas ones to inspire you for the holidays? I love my Hallmark movies, they always make me feel good. Listen to your doctor, he knows best?

  105. Blessings from a fan in Australia for the safe birth of your daughter. Looking forward to more updates and photos. Best wishes to all of your delightful family.

  106. Yay, how exciting!! I hope all goes well and everyone is happy and healthy on delivery day. Leo’s pajamas (?)/outfit in these photos is adorable and you look so comfy in yours. Good luck!!

  107. Thank you for sharing this! It is comforting to know that you are not alone, and thanks to the mums commenting as well! 🙂

  108. Jillian… you look so beautiful as a pregnant Mom!! I can’t wait to meet your little baby girl! Good luck during the delivery. xo

  109. I had morning sickness for 9 months with both of my pregnancies. I was always tired. Now my kids are adults. 28 and 22. Time flies by. enjoy these wonderful moments with your sweet Leo and soon to be baby girl. They grow up too fast. I loved being pregnant just didn’t like morning sickness . Good luck ❤️

  110. Hi Jillian! I know this post is an older one, but I came here looking for maybe a maternity photographer that you might have used. I’m only 24 weeks pregnant but I’m having trouble finding someone in the Kelowna area – did you have any maternity photos done and if so, do you mind sharing the photographer? If not, you take so many family photos, is there anyone you would recommend? I would be SO grateful!

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