How to Get Preggers....

Since 2011, I have devoured pregnancy and parenting books like a small child would candy. In fact, it is embarrassing to admit the amount of books and articles I have downloaded on my Kindle since that time. I could probably tell you absolutely ANY fact about pregnancy you ever wanted to know -- or could care less about.

This obsession has carried over to my passion for list creating. I love lists, especially to-do lists. I write them compulsively every day. Sometimes, I write down things I've already accomplished just for the sheer joy of crossing them out. Yes, I am sick. A sick organized fool who loves lists and getting things done efficiently.

Mentally, there is one list I continue adding to but have never actually written down. The prospect of actually getting this list down in writing seems exciting but exhausting to me. This list, of course, is THE list on How to Get Preggers. Here, I've taken countless golden nuggets of advice and put them in no particular order. I have resisted my mild OCD tendencies and narrowed down the items to just 21 (Why 21? Well, I was born on February 21 and have always liked the number 21).

1. Avoid Crossfit or exercising obsessively.
2. Refrain from ordering the number 4 two-cheeseburger meal with a medium fries from McDonald's.
3. Stop doing intensive 90-minute classes of Bikram yoga, and focus instead on more gentle yoga forms.
4. Get more sleep. - I now get at least 7 hours, which is an enormous accomplishment for me, especially for those of you who know me well.
5. Think positively. - The more you allow yourself to be trapped in a negative thought pattern, the more sucked in and influenced you will become to negativity. BAD.
6. Eat more vegetables and fruit. - I'm good with the fruit and still working on the vegetables. Do the veggies I put on my 6 inch weekly Subway tuna sandwich count??
7. Avoid spending 1.5 hours or more in the car every day for your commute. - Next school year, this will finally be a reality for me after six years!
8. Do something nice and kind for YOURSELF every day. - This is easier said than done!
9. Take prenatal vitamins. EVERY day
10. Drink ridiculous amounts of water EVERY day.
11. Drink alcohol in moderation. - I cannot live without my twice-weekly Moscatos; let's be honest.
12. Surround yourself with positive people who support, love, and cherish you. - Mean people suck, as we know. They are also self-centered and toxic to the baby-making journey, not to mention the life journey in general.
13. Maintain a healthy weight. - I learned this the hard way when I lost 15 pounds due to stress and depression in the fall. Don't worry; I've more than made up for that now. I love food. A lot. ;)
14. Find people who are also going through their fertility journey, and don't be afraid to share your story.
15. Get a massage as often as possible. - I try to aim for every other week!
16. Try accupuncture. - I have been doing this since last August and have seen considerable health benefits, especially with my kidney and liver pulses!
17. Try holistic herbs that support your body and help prepare for a future pregnancy. - Some of my favorites are royal jelly and cod liver oil.
18. Minimize the stress in your life. - I know this is funny, but it really IS a must!
19. Pet therapy works wonders. - Just ask our cat, Mikey, who is convinced he is a spoiled human. :)
20. Stay hopeful and positive. - We all have bad days, but make the good days more in number. A positive attitude and mindset goes a LONG way in helping make your baby dreams come true!
BONUS #21. Have sex every other day! - Trust me; this is huge.

I could go on, but I'll spare you and stop for now. I'd love to hear what else works for you!

Now I just need to start a list on How to STAY Preggers... ;)