Maternity Favorites

I am in my last week of my second trimester and I can't believe that I am actually saying that.  Third trimester??  I'm ready for you, but I'm also shocked you're almost here!  This pregnancy, by God's grace, has been really easy for me so far.  No morning sickness, little-to-no affect on my job, and with the exception of extreme fatigue in my first trimester, I've felt great and able during the past 27.5 weeks!  THANK YOU JESUS.

I wanted to share a few of my maternity essentials and favorites that have kept me going and feeling great so far.  I'm sure I will have more to add during my third trimester when I start to deal with a very large belly and the heat of summer, but for now...here are my must-haves:

1.  Snacks - ALWAYS have snacks on hand.  I never used to buy snacks because I tend to not have any self control, but having easily accessible snacks always with me was essential.  Pregnancy has made me always hungry and therefore totally hangry when I didn't have snacks with me.  I loved all of the options from Annie's - but really, just always keeping snacks in your purse, desk at work, or wherever is essential!

2.  Belly Butter - This is something I had no idea you should start using as soon as you find out you're pregnant.  In order to help with stretch marks, you need to keep your belly and breasts hydrated.  Get yourself some nice belly butter and apply after you shower - your skin will thank you!  I loved this coconut oil and shea butter by Marc Anthony.  I tried another butter made from pistachio oils and didn't like it as much.  This one absorbed nice and didn't make me feel sticky, slimy, or sweaty.

3.  A Good Pair of Skinny Jeans - Being that I am still working and can't wear yoga pants every day like I'd prefer, a comfy and cute pair of skinny jeans were key.  They were the perfect way to keep my style and not look like I was wearing maternity-specific clothes.  I loved these by Jessica Simpson.  They haven't started to sag or loosen up like a lot of cheap maternity jeans do, either, and they are totally affordable.

4.  Some Comfy Tanks - I thought that I could use my regular tanks and just pull them over my belly and layer.  WRONG.  Regular shirts start to ride up and it starts to get really uncomfortable and totally annoying.  These tanks from Target were affordable, really comfortable, and great for layering and switching up outfits.

5.  A Fun and Easy Read - I feel like my mind is always thinking about my baby, being pregnant and everything that goes with it.  Having a fun book to read that I felt like I could relate to was perfect because it didn't make me think too hard when I was exhausted, kept me entertained, and distracted me from wanting to talk other people's ears off all the time about pregnancy.  This book was hilarious and a super fun and easy read.

6.  Maternity Leggings - Again, I totally thought my regular leggings would be fine during pregnancy; which, they were fine, but not great as I felt like they started to dig into my growing belly.  These leggings from Target have been my favorite purchase ever.  They are beyond comfortable and I basically live in them.  If you get one thing during pregnancy, BUY THESE.

7.  Pregnancy Pillow - I'm a stomach sleeper, so as soon as I started to get a little bump, learning to sleep on my side was really hard.  The Boppy 3-piece pillow has been working great for me and I'm so glad I bought it after trying to just use regular pillows between my legs for a couple weeks.  Worth it!

I'd love to hear some of your maternity must-haves and favorites!  Especially as I bring on the hot summer being enormously pregnant.  Any advice?