We’re over half way there! I’ll be 22 weeks pregnant tomorrow, and while I would not say this pregnancy has gone by quickly, it is hard to believe we are midway through the second trimester. I can’t begin to count the number of times I fell to my knees and prayed, with tears streaming down my face, to be at the point we are now. It honestly feels surreal, and I still need to remind myself daily to surrender my fears, doubts, and anxieties to God. He is, after all, the reason for this beautiful blessing and its timing.
The moment the reality of this pregnancy finally hit me was just a few weeks ago, at our 20-week ultrasound. Sure, I was sick for over twelve weeks straight, and yes, we could hear the heartbeat, but actually seeing the baby for the first time – moving its arms and legs and showing its facial features – now that felt real. As I laid there on the table, with the probe moving gently across my stomach, I could see the tears in Dave’s eyes and feel his hand squeezing mine each time the screen would reveal a new image of our little one. His happiness was so evident that day. All of those moments of praying to make him a father, and I was finally seeing glimpses of that future unfolding before me. I will cherish that memory forever.
It’s difficult to grasp and incredible to feel the amount of love I have for this little person I’ve never even met yet. It obviously was no cake walk to get pregnant – I went through several surgeries, we passed on travel opportunities in order to save money for IVF, and let’s not forget all of those needles. But it has all been worth it. Someone sent me the following bible verse after our first miscarriage, and the reality of the words in my life is unbelievable:
“The pain that you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that you have coming.” Roman 8:18.
Amen.
Just last weekend (at 21 weeks), we felt the baby kick for the first time! And by we, I mean Dave and I actually experienced it together! As we were laying down on a Friday night to go to sleep, Dave had his hand on my stomach and was talking to the baby. He does this quite often, and it seriously melts my heart. Just as he was getting ready to roll over, we both felt a little jolt from my lower abdomen. He looked at me and said, “Did you feel that?!” And I returned to him, “Did YOU feel that?!” We both couldn’t believe it. And once again, our pregnancy felt even more real than it ever had before.
Since that moment, this past week has been filled with little kicks and flutters, often after I eat and when I am sitting or lying still. It is nothing short of magical. Mamas – you know what I’m talking about! There simply is nothing like it. And it’s so neat to be able to share the experience with Dave, who can’t wait to put his hand on my stomach when he returns home from work each day.
I’m happy to report that my nausea has subsided to only brief moments throughout the day, and is therefore much more tolerable than my first trimester. And while I still enjoy all of the carbs, I’m trying my best to eat a wholesome, well-balanced diet. One odd thing that I can’t explain is the loss of my love for popcorn?! Those of you who know me well know that I used to eat popcorn every single day without fail. I would go to movies I didn’t care to see just to eat the popcorn. We had it at our wedding. And now? It has no appeal to me whatsoever. Will the love ever come back?!
I’m still enjoying my morning barre workouts most days of the week, as they provide me with energy and the endorphins that fuel my day. Don’t worry, I’m making the necessary modifications and avoiding core work that isn’t safe for the baby. Let’s be honest, my core has basically disappeared and a round little belly has taken its place! I always wondered how I would react to the weight gain associated with pregnancy, and I am pleased to say I’ve welcomed it with open arms. The baby is measuring right where it needs to, and I am feeling great. It’s kind of neat to see the growth from week to week! And fun fact – I am pregnant along with seven other staff members in my workplace right now! We are all due within a six-month span of time, so I have many women to share this journey with, and grow with, literally. 😉
Our nursery is coming along slowly but surely! Dave and his dad built the crib, dresser, and a closet organizer, and the walls are now painted a light gray (no hints about gender will be given away here!). I have some decor purchased but not yet hung – it’s been fun to do things a little bit at a time. My vision is slowly coming to life and I smile each time I walk by the room. We are working on getting Nash to love the room just as much as we do, so Dave put his dog bed in there. That hasn’t been enticing to him so far, but maybe a screaming baby will be? Ha!
Thank you to everyone who reached out with registry recommendations!! I have read so many blogs and articles, but real, authentic advice from moms is what I consider to be the absolute best. I’ve also started to order a few books related to parenting and the postpartum phase. I’d love any recommendations that were helpful to you as a first-time parent! I have to say I’m not as nervous about the birthing process as I am about raising a kind, loving, Christ-centered child. I want to educate myself as much as possible and do what I can to set my child and our family up for success. But I do realize that much of this comes with experience and time, and a whole lot of patience. 😊
Our next appointment is at 24 weeks, followed by the crowd favorite, the gestational diabetes screening. After that, we have a Babymoon booked for Hilton Head, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia in the first week of October! I can hardly wait for a relaxing getaway with my amazing husband. Thank you to everyone for your continued following and prayers!
XO,
Emily
North of Hope 