OMG, in just under 70 days, my life is going to change forever! I’m having a baby! A real, tiny human! It still feels incredibly surreal, and the excitement is building with every passing moment.
Aside from the big announcement I shared a while back with this festive piñata cake and a few casual mentions, I haven’t really taken the time to delve deep into my pregnancy experience. Today, I want to change that. Settle in, grab your favorite beverage – a warm cup of coffee or tea, or perhaps a glass of wine if you’re not currently expecting like me – and get ready for a comprehensive recap of this crazy, amazing, and often surprising journey from the very beginning. This is going to be a long, heartfelt read, so make yourself comfortable. It’s time to share all the details of growing this little miracle.
My Incredible Journey to Motherhood: A Trimester-by-Trimester Guide
Looking back to April, my calendar was packed with exciting plans. I had meticulously organized a busy summer, filled with trips to my very first food blogging conferences. The thought of connecting with fellow food enthusiasts and expanding my culinary knowledge filled me with anticipation. On top of that, my annual vacation to Mongolia was on the horizon, promising cherished family time. It was set to be an extraordinarily busy, yet incredibly fulfilling summer. I was beyond excited to meet fellow food bloggers and, of course, to reunite with my beloved family. Little did I know, however, that the universe had something far more exciting in store for me, something that would completely redefine my definition of ‘busy’ and ‘exciting’!
In the lead-up to these planned adventures, I was intensely focused on my blog. My kitchen became a non-stop hub of activity as I hustled to prepare a backlog of delicious recipes to share with all of you during my travels. For over a month, I dedicated myself tirelessly to the craft – testing and retesting new recipes, meticulously taste-testing every dish, and capturing their essence through countless photographs. It was an exhaustive but rewarding period, ensuring I had plenty of content ready to go.
The Big Surprise: Discovering Our Pregnancy
By the beginning of May, the non-stop work had taken its toll, and I found myself extremely exhausted. Initially, I dismissed it as simply being overworked, a natural consequence of my intense schedule. Yet, a subtle, persistent feeling hinted that something more profound might be at play. There were other, less tangible reasons that made me suspect my body was undergoing a significant change. So, one day, when my husband Garrat headed into town, I casually asked him to pick up a couple of different pregnancy tests, just to be sure. What followed was a moment of complete confusion and disbelief for both of us.
We tried the first test, which was supposed to display two clear red lines for a positive result. To our bewilderment, we saw one bright red line, undeniably there, but the second line was incredibly faint, barely visible. We moved on to the second test, which promised a clear blue plus sign for a positive outcome. Again, we were met with a bright horizontal blue line, unambiguous in its presence, but the vertical line was, once more, very faint. We were utterly baffled. Both tests seemed to indicate a positive result, yet neither was definitively clear. Deep down, however, a sense of certainty began to settle in our hearts. Garrat’s reaction was immediate and overwhelming joy; his eyes lit up with an uncontainable happiness. Mine, on the other hand, filled with tears – tears, I suppose, of fear and immense change. Don’t misunderstand, I was incredibly happy, but simultaneously, I felt a wave of terror wash over me, the kind that comes with such life-altering news.
Without delay, I called my doctor. They immediately ordered two blood tests, to be taken 48 hours apart, to confirm the pregnancy and track hormone levels. I went in for the first test that very afternoon, my mind racing with possibilities. While I was mentally preparing for the second test two days later, the phone rang. It was the nurse, and her words were clear and joyful: “There’s no need for the second test; you are definitely pregnant!” At this point, any lingering fear evaporated, replaced by an explosion of pure elation. I was beyond excited, jumping up and down like a mad person, completely overtaken by the incredible news. We were truly going to be parents!
Pre-Baby Adventures: Fulfilling a Dream Before Starting a Family
I had always known that I wanted to have children of my own one day. Yet, life always seemed to present “not the right time.” There was always another goal to achieve, another experience to chase. One of the most significant items on my personal bucket list before settling down and starting a family was to immerse myself in the beauty of Europe. I dreamed of visiting Paris, standing in awe before the Eiffel Tower, strolling through the historic streets of London, and eating my way through the culinary wonders of Italy. In essence, I yearned to experience a glimpse of Europe’s charm and culture before embracing the profound responsibilities of parenthood. Earlier this year, Garrat, my incredibly supportive husband, made that dream a glorious reality. We embarked on an unforgettable adventure, creating cherished memories in London, Paris, and Rome. Having fulfilled this long-held aspiration, I felt a deep sense of contentment and readiness to embrace the next chapter of my life – to settle down and truly start a family. Finally, the timing felt perfect!
And then, just two short months later, BOOM! We were pregnant! Honestly, I hadn’t anticipated it happening so quickly, but now, looking back, I can’t imagine it any other way. The universe truly has its own perfect timing. In just over two months, we will meet our little miracle, and the anticipation is almost unbearable. #pinchme – because sometimes, it still feels like a beautiful dream!
Trimester by Trimester: A Personal Account
The First Trimester: Navigating the Early Waves
My first trimester wasn’t marked by severe morning sickness, thankfully. However, I experienced an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that seemed to cling to me constantly, coupled with intermittent bouts of queasiness. To combat this occasional queasy feeling, I found that frequent snacking was my savior – a solution that wasn’t particularly challenging during my trip to the Indulge food blogger conference in Portland, OR. That entire trip was a gastronomic delight, packed with incredible food experiences every single day. The only real downside, which felt like a significant sacrifice at the time, was missing out on all the amazing unpasteurized apple and pear ciders, the robust hard ciders, delightful wine tastings, and fresh oysters that Portland is famous for. (Don’t worry, Portland, I’ll be back for you someday!)
On my journey home from Portland, I faced an unexpected setback: a cancelled flight forced me to spend a night at the Denver airport. Ugh, it was an absolute nightmare, especially in my delicate first-trimester state. Feeling profoundly queasy, utterly exhausted, and with nothing sounding even remotely appealing, a simple bag of *sour gummy bears* became my unexpected rescuer! I practically inhaled the entire bag, and to my surprise, I felt an immediate and profound sense of relief, both physically and emotionally. That sleepless night in the airport was undoubtedly the roughest period of my entire pregnancy so far, and it took me a full two days to recover, just barely in time for my pre-planned trip to Mongolia. Once in Mongolia, however, I was utterly spoiled. My mom’s incredible cooking and unwavering pampering enveloped me. I had absolutely no desire (nor the energy) to venture out and socialize with friends; instead, I happily stayed home, indulging in delicious meals and countless naps. It was pure bliss, a much-needed respite.
Surprising Side Effects of the First Trimester:
- **Chocolate Aversion:** This was perhaps the most shocking revelation for a self-proclaimed chocolate lover like myself. Chocolate, which usually brings me so much joy, suddenly tasted… meh. I’d eat some, and it just wouldn’t hit the spot. So incredibly weird!
- **Lack of Interest in Digital Media:** I found myself completely disengaged from reading, working on the computer, or even watching TV. Most forms of digital media or prolonged mental engagement simply irritated me. At the time, Garrat and I were enjoying the series *Mad Men*, but I literally couldn’t handle the constant drinking and smoking depicted. We had to take a break from it entirely.
- **Blogging Torture:** Despite having a wealth of recipes ready to share, the thought of writing blog posts felt like an absolute torture. My desire to elaborate on them was nonexistent. This, dear readers, is why my posting frequency dropped significantly, and my posts from June and July are noticeably shorter than usual. Oops! My apologies for the brevity!
The Second Trimester: A Burst of Energy and Excitement
It felt like magic! As soon as I officially transitioned into my second trimester, a remarkable change swept over me. Everything seemed to snap back to normal. Well, *almost* normal. I would still tire more quickly than before, but the overwhelming exhaustion and constant queasiness had vanished, and I felt much more like my pre-pregnancy self. I began to truly enjoy chocolate again – a welcome return to normalcy! I eagerly started catching up on reading other blogs, and the daunting task of writing my own blog posts no longer felt like such a monumental effort. The energy returned, and with it, my creative spark.
Cravings of the Second Trimester:
During this period, I developed an intense, almost insatiable craving for fried food. I wanted it all – crispy fried chicken, golden French fries, perfectly seasoned curly fries… anything deep-fried called to me! And soda! I’m usually not a daily soda drinker, often opting for water or tea, but for a few weeks, I absolutely needed it every day. Usually just a few sips were enough to satisfy the craving, but the urge was undeniable. Again, so weird! I’m incredibly glad that particular craving has subsided now, and I earnestly hope it doesn’t make a comeback in the final stretch.
August 26th marked an incredibly exciting day for us – it was time to find out the gender of our little nugget! Did I have a gender preference? Yes, I confess, I did. For as long as I can remember, I had always envisioned having a girl. Growing up with three sisters, I felt like I understood everything about girls – their dynamics, their joys, their challenges. Boys, on the other hand, remained a complete mystery to me, an uncharted territory. BUT, and this is a crucial “but,” I knew deep down that I would be ecstatically happy either way, as long as our baby was healthy and thriving. During the ultrasound, it became pretty obvious quite quickly – we were having a boy! The technician’s smiles and the clear images on the screen confirmed it. After the appointment, Garrat and I practically floated to the nearest store and gleefully purchased his very first set of adorable onesies. Aren’t they just the cutest little things? It was such a tangible and joyful step into parenthood!
The Third Trimester: Embracing the Final Stretch
Now, as I find myself firmly in the third and final trimester, things are undeniably getting a little more challenging. My belly, once a cute bump, is now undeniably ginormous! Simple tasks that I once took for granted, like putting on my socks and shoes, have become Olympic-level feats, leaving me breathless and slightly disoriented. Lower back pain has become a very real and constant companion, especially after spending a long day in the kitchen developing and testing recipes. However, I’ve found an incredible ally in prenatal yoga. Practicing yoga has been exceptionally helpful in alleviating discomfort and maintaining flexibility. I diligently follow routines like this relaxing session and this invigorating flow almost every single day. I absolutely love how I feel – both physically and mentally – after a good stretch and yoga session. It’s become an essential part of my daily self-care routine.
Third Trimester Cravings and Appetite:
Surprisingly, in this trimester, I don’t really have any bizarre or specific cravings, or any overwhelming cravings for that matter. However, what I *do* have is an absolutely formidable appetite! It seems my body is storing up all the energy it can for the grand finale, and I’m happily obliging by enjoying nourishing meals throughout the day.
My absolute favorite part of this entire pregnancy has been, without a doubt, experiencing the baby’s movements. Our little boy is incredibly active, and I adore watching the wave-like movements ripple across my belly. Reading a book in the evening has become a delightful, albeit interrupted, ritual: I’ll read a sentence, then pause and stare at my belly for a full two minutes, captivated by the subtle shifts and kicks. Then, I’ll resume reading another sentence, only to be drawn back into observing his incredible activity. It’s an ongoing, magical conversation. I also love gently tapping on my belly, and almost without fail, our baby will respond back with a little kick or wiggle. It feels so surreal, yet so profoundly real and connective. Before getting pregnant, I always wondered if these strong movements would be painful, but now I can confidently say, at least from my experience, they are not. It’s such an awesome, unique sensation – a feeling of life growing and thriving within me – but completely devoid of pain. It’s pure wonder.
What I Miss from Pre-Pregnancy:
If I had to pick two things I truly miss from my pre-pregnancy life, they would undeniably be wine and raw oysters! I’m typically more of a red wine enthusiast, but for some peculiar reason, lately, all I’ve wanted is a crisp, perfectly chilled glass of white wine. The anticipation of enjoying these simple pleasures again, once our baby has arrived, is definitely a little something to look forward to!
The Final Countdown: Anticipation and Reflections
Time, especially during this pregnancy, feels like it’s flying by at an astonishing pace. Everyone tells me that the last month usually drags on forever, and I genuinely hope that holds true for me. I want to savor every single moment of this final stretch before our little one makes his grand entrance. This entire journey, from that initial confusing home test to these final weeks of anticipation, has been incredibly easy, filled with immense joy, surprisingly fun, and most importantly, wonderfully healthy! I pray with all my heart that it continues this way for the remaining two months, culminating in a smooth and healthy delivery for both me and our baby.
This experience has been nothing short of transformative. It has taught me patience, adaptability, and an even deeper appreciation for the miracle of life. I’m endlessly grateful for this opportunity to grow and nurture a new life, and I am beyond excited to step into the role of motherhood. The nesting instincts are in full swing, the nursery is slowly coming together, and our hearts are overflowing with love and readiness to welcome our baby boy into the world. Thank you for being a part of this amazing journey and for sharing in our excitement. We can’t wait to introduce him to you!
Alright, let’s wrap up this loooong, but I hope, insightful post.
Thank you so much for reading and for sharing in my journey!