We Made a Baby!
So the word is out...I'm pregnant! 24 weeks and going strong! It's been quite an interesting experience so far. I'm amazed that there is actually a human growing inside me right now. The last few weeks have especially been fun because I can feel her kicking and dancing inside and I officially have a baby bump! Luckily, I got through the first trimester with no morning sickness and just a few random food aversions. Other than being fatigued, this little girl has been treating me quite well and I am so thankful!
There is no doubt that being pregnant has forced me to slow down and think deeply about the things that are most important in my life now and what I want to keep at the forefront once our little one has arrives. Continuing to live a life filled with creativity, simplicity, family and a continuous stream of gratitude and faith is no doubt the core of how my husband and I want to live as our family grows. As we make our (scary and thrilling) transition into parenthood, we must hold tight to these things because I know there will be many sleepless nights, uncomfortable moments and frustrations ahead. But also so much joy!
So as I try my best to savor every moment of this pregnant journey, I thought it would be fun to make a list of my favorite things about being pregnant so far...
1. Talking to her
I like to talk to things. Henry and our beta fish, Frank, know this very well. I guess I just like to make connections with the life around me. It feels good to talk to them, even if they can't reciprocate. So this little baby has been a part of many conversations (and mama singing to her) whether she realizes it or not.
2. Coming up with a name
I love names and I love naming things (just as much as I love talking to them)! So coming up with a name was pretty easy for us. We are keeping it a secret until she is born, but for now we call her Jelly Bean (thanks to her first ultrasound picture) or Baby GG (Baby Girl Gebely).
3. Eating!
So there were a few food aversions the first few weeks (eggs, veggies and sweets), but boy have I enjoyed taking a break from my usual health conscious self. I haven't gone crazy of course, but I have had my share of pizza, muffins, cheese and bagels. Baby loves the carbs!
4. My belly
I predict I will only love this for a few more weeks, but I must say, having a baby bump is kind of fun! I no longer have to be so annoyed about having a muffin top, I now have a perfect little burrito top and its totally acceptable! Once I got my hands on some maternity clothes, it felt even better. It's just nice to finally see some evidence that our baby is growing inside there.
5. Feeling her kick
This is totally weird, but I'm loving it. The first time I felt her, I was laying in bed and was quite emotional that evening for no reason. My hand was on my belly and all of a sudden, "boom!" I felt a kick! I laughed sooo hard, then cried, then laughed again. It was brilliant. I just couldn't believe that was her, and she was so strong!
6. Building a family
This is one of most special things of course. Knowing that Tony and I are actually building a family is really cool. We are going to have so much influence on this little one and its both scary and exciting to think about. I love my husband and Henry so much, so adding a little girl is going to be epic!
7. Resting
I was quite fatigued early on and I still have my moments. I am lucky to be working from home right now, so resting and taking naps has been fairly doable. I sometimes feel a little guilty about it, but then think ahead a few months to when sleep will be extremely limited and the guilt vanishes. There is no doubt that growing a little human inside you takes a lot of work and energy!
8. Becoming a mom
Yikes, that's all I can say. I'm excited and nervous about this one. It's a hard thing to imagine when you've never been one before! But luckily I have good role models (thanks to my own mom and mother-in-law) and I generally know how to make stuff, cook stuff and sing a lullaby, so I should be ok! I'm also SO excited to see my husband become a dad! I think we make a great team (I sing, he cleans)...so it'll be perfect :)
9. Embracing childhood
There are so many special moments that happen in childhood and I am so excited to be a part of that for our little girl. Being pregnant has reminded me that the things children observe, the way they think and go about life is so special and worth capturing. We all know that as we grow up, life is a whole lot different. So though we may live a simple life, I want our little girl to be given a chance to really savor her childhood and grow up in an environment where she can grow and learn and be her unique little self.
10. Support and love
No doubt, being surrounded by all the love and support from family, friends and even a few strangers, has been incredible. And knowing that we'll be bringing our little girl into so much love, makes me feel so thankful. I know people have babies all the time, but now that I'm going through this experience, I can't imagine not having a strong support system intact. For all my questions, my worries, my moments of freaking out and moments of complete peace, it's so great to have people who care around me.
I'll be sure to keep you posted as this journey continues! If you have any advice or favorite baby products, let me know! This is a whole new world for us, so we will take all the suggestions we can get! Just leave a comment below...