Day 84...Thursday Nov. 5

As I mentioned before, in preparation for our pregnancy, my husband and I have cut out caffeine and alcohol completely since the first of this month. It hasn't been entirely easy either. Too many times this week, my co-workers have brought in coffee that just smells like heaven. Other times, a nice cold bubbly can of soda sounds amazing! But all in all it's been okay. Here is a list of tips for understanding and taming the old caffeine addiction when cutting back for pregnancy:

Remember why you're doing this. Of course, you know why already — but it doesn't hurt to remind yourself (and pat yourself on the back) every time you "make it a decaf": It's good for your baby and it's good for you.

Figure out what you love best about your caffeine fix. Is it the taste of coffee you crave? That's easy — switch to a quality decaf brew and enjoy the flavor without the caffeine (even espresso comes decaf). Can't sparkle without carbonated sodas? Turn instead to sparkling water or sparkling juices (or sparkling caffeine-free sodas, but in moderation if they're full or sugar or artificially sweetened). Are you addicted to caffeine's energy kick? Get a healthier energy boost from a snack of complex carbohydrates and proteins (you'll get both from cheese and crackers or dried fruit and nuts), exercising regularly (even a ten-minute walk will give your energy level a jolt), and getting enough sleep (but not too much, which can actually make you more tired).

Know where it's hiding. Obviously, it's in the latte. And the iced Americano. And even the English breakfast (though in smaller amounts — one cup of tea contains 40 milligrams of caffeine, as opposed to the 100 or more milligrams in a cup of brewed coffee). But did you know that caffeine's lurking in soft drinks (from colas to that Mountain Dew), energy drinks (where do you think that energy's coming from?), chocolate and coffee-flavored yogurt and ice cream (though again, in smaller amounts). When counting up the caffeine in your day (and trying to limit it to those two cups — or 200 milligrams), make sure you add in all its sources.

Find energy the old-fashioned way. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and snacks (a good idea when you're pregnant, anyway — but an especially good idea when you're decaffeinating your system) will keep your energy up by keeping your blood sugar from dipping. Prenatal vitamins will also help you maintain your stamina without a caffeine fix. Now take that extra four bucks or so you spent on coffee every day (plus the money you spent on the accompanying doughnut du jour) and put it in an empty coffee cup. At the end of the week, treat yourself (manicure, anyone?)…you earned it!--www.whattoexpect.com

I'll have one grande, sugar free vanilla, extra hot, no whip, soy milk, Pickle latte...oh...and make it a decaf!