Surviving a summer pregnancy

Buzz Baby is a column about life with babies from the perspective of a first-time mother.

Last summer, a 6-months-pregnant mom found herself in a hot and sticky mess. Sophie Magness was stuck at Hermann Park with no stroller, two young toddlers and very pregnant – and she was running late to pick up her daughter at school.

The day started out with a fun idea. She would take her then-2-year-old son Beau and 13-month-old son Zane to the Children’s Museum on a Monday school holiday.

There was only one problem. “I forgot the museum is closed on Mondays,” said Sophie, a public relations manager at Magness Orthodontics. “So instead, we decided to ride the nearby Hermann Park train.”

The group walked together over to the North train stop near the Miller Outdoor Theatre hill and, after only a short wait, boarded the train and enjoyed a leisurely train ride. “My brilliant plan was to pay the fare at the zoo station and get right back on the train to come back around to our original stop,” said Sophie. “When I saw the line at the zoo station to board the train I knew I was in trouble.” They were already late to leave to pick up her daughter at school by this point.

Sophie said she begged the conductor to take cash for tickets and let them stay on the train. But her begging didn’t work.

“We got out of line and started walking” towards the car parked near the Museum of Natural Science, said Sophie. “I am sweating profusely now, tired and trying to rush my two toddlers across Hermann Park. To top it off, the baby needed a new diaper and my toddler needed a potty break, so we stopped to use the Miller Outdoor Theatre restrooms.”

Sophie said she was completely prepared to ask a perfect stranger to help get to their car at this point. “But when I emerged from the bathroom, to my amazement and relief, there was a zoo rental stroller sitting there, alone, unattended, calling my name,” said Sophie. “I have no idea how it got there except that it was sent from Heaven.”

Sophie said she looked around and waited to see if anyone was going to claim the miracle stroller. Once it was clear it was abandoned, she loaded the boys up and rolled them to the car.

Pregnancy can be physically tough no matter what time of the year. Mix some summertime heat with a large baby bump, and you’ll most likely get one uncomfortable mom-to-be.

Sophie recalled that during her summer pregnancies she always kept a tall glass of water by her side and planned indoor activities. “My favorite summertime outfits included these adorable T-shirts by Mamagama Maternity,” she said. “I had one with a big beach ball, a fish bowl and a Captain America shield. They always made people laugh.” 

Mom-of-two Allison Laird (pictured, with son Ford), said she stayed near water during her summer pregnancy with daughter Austyn.

Allison Laird, a mom of two and a Lagree Fitness instructor, said she spent her summer pregnancy keeping up with her then 2-year-old son, Ford. “Every single day with Ford was spent out and about,” said Allison. “At the park, zoo, Galveston beach, museum, library, farmers market and a lot of time at Colonial Park Pool.”

Allison said they traveled by bicycle to their neighborhood stops until she was about 35 weeks along in her summer pregnancy with daughter Austyn (now 2). “I was large,” said Allison. “And between the basket full of pool gear and a 30-pound toddler, the bike became too hard to unload.” They just drove to the pool at that point.

Party planning can be a lot of work for anyone, let alone a pregnant woman who feels the heat times two. “I love parties,” said Allison. Ford turned 2 when she was 36 weeks along with Austyn, but that didn’t stop her from throwing a big celebration. “We had a party for 50-plus people at Colonial Park Pool for which I way-over-decorated for,” she said. “It was a Pinterest pinup for sure. I was literally climbing trees to hang ship flags and lugging in beverage tubs. I couldn’t help myself.”

Allison advises other expectant moms to carefully select their maternity attire during hot months. “Maxi dresses are a cute way to dress up your baby bump while staying super cozy and hiding swollen ankles,” she said. “I suggest pairing it with a nice pair of moisture-wicking bike shorts. Knee-length [shorts are] ideal. That’s right, just like the ’80s because chafing, friends,” she said, laughing. “That skirt is cute but there’s no air circulating under there. Be advised, and maxi with caution.”

Allison’s husband Matt was also on call for frozen treats. “All I remember is going to get Icees every single day,” he said.