My sister told me this weekend that she feels like I've been pregnant forever. I feel that way too. Jared and I found out we were having a baby right around 3 1/2 or 4 weeks. And, for the first couple of weeks, my sister was the only other person who knew (and she kept it a secret too). So, yes, it seems like I've been pregnant forever. Definitely longer than 3 months.
She also suggested that I keep a journal. She's really smart.
So, I thought I'd use this blog as a journal. Sure, it's a public journal. But, if you know me, I'm an open book anyway. I'm also hoping to print this blog after Baby E gets here as a non-traditional baby book. Maybe someday he or she will enjoy reading all these posts and your comments.
So, from the beginning ... (I might break this up into months one, two and three)
Week 4 -
What was happening: I'm planning for our trip to Mexico, and I'm dying to get in the tanning bed (excuse = I don't want to burn in the hot, Mexican sunshine). But, I was having some mixed feelings ... what if I was pregnant? That would be really bad. So, I called my sister and asked her if she thought it was okay to go ahead and get in or not. She figured it was fine, but I still had this nagging feeling ... Long story short. I skipped the tanning bed, made a stop at Walgreens and now I'm very thankful I didn't go get in that tanning bed. I went to Mexico with my white legs and had a blast.
How did we react: After buying the test, I walked
straight in our apartment and directly into the bathroom (purse still on my
shoulder) and took the test. I walked out and talked to Jared for just a few
minutes while I was waiting on the results. He knew exactly what I was doing,
but he just sat on the couch … calm. When I couldn’t stand the suspense any
longer, I went to check on the results. PREGNANT! I ran out and yelled and
threw the test at him. He fell over on the couch, kicked his legs in the air
and just laughed with complete excitement. We ran around the house for a few
minutes in complete happiness. It was amazing. Even Dolce was running around
with us. I think he’d known all along.When we
finally calmed down, I sent my sister a picture of the test with a caption that read “I’m glad
I didn’t go get in the tanning bed” and called her. The excitement in her voice
was wonderful. She’s my sister and my best friend. We were both a little sad
though too. It hit us about the same time how much we’d like to tell our mom
and how happy she’d be. But, we decided we didn’t need to focus on the sad and
I quickly wiped my tears. Besides, Jared said the most wonderful thing, “Rian,
your mom knew before we did.”
How was I feeling: The only thing I feel is heart burn. It doesn’t matter what I eat or drink.
That burning feeling just sneaks right up.
We decided
not to tell anyone else until after the first trimester, but that didn’t last
long …
Week 5 -
What was happening: We're in Mexico with Eeron and John. Eeron is my best friend from childhood and beyond and also sister-in-law (for those of you who don't know, we married brothers). John is Jared's oldest brother. Picture this: I'm not drinking any margaritas, taking anything for my allergies or eating Mexican cheese dip. They new something was up. The night before we left, we ended up telling them and swore them to secrecy for the next 8 weeks.They kept our secret too. :)
How was I feeling: We’re in Mexico, and boy am I tired! I
think it’s a mix of the sun and growing a baby. We snorkeled in an underground
river one day, and I thought I wasn’t going to make until the end. I’ve never
known tired like this.
Week 6: (THIS WAS A BIG WEEK - We weren't telling the world - just our world. )
What was happening: We just got back from Mexico, and we decided to meet Madison and Mallory for dinner to tell them. I was
showing them pictures from our vacation and slipped one in of the positive
test. Madison noticed it immediately. She looked up at me with her mouth
hanging down to her knees. Finally, Mallory realized what was going on. It was
hilarious. Talking about being in shock. Plus, they were a little mad that
Kelly (their mom, my sister) didn’t tell them. After we got
home that night, we called Jay (my sister's husband). I couldn’t let his entire family know and not him.
Plus, he’s like a dad to me, so it is important to me to tell him. I was
talking to him about Mexico, and I mentioned going to this restaurant (one of his favorite places to go) where
they make you do a tequila shot to get in the door, and I told him that I couldn’t do it
this time because I’m pregnant. He laughed and then realized what I’d said. It was hilarious.
He started stuttering … I guess it was a big surprise. I’m not sure
why that's the common theme here. I guess everyone is so surprised because we didn’t
tell anyone we were trying. Next, we
called my big brother. When we told Jeff, he yelled out to everyone in the
room, “I’m gonna be an uncle.” It was so cute! He was so excited that he
couldn’t stand it. I love him so much! We waited until Monday to call Wil because it was so late, and he gets up really early in the morning for work on the farm. He was sincerely happy for us. That night I got a text from Mindy (his fiance),
and she was just as happy. Wil wanted to know if I’d find out if it’s a boy or
a girl at our first appointment. When I told him we’d have to wait about 14
more weeks, he couldn’t believe it.
How was I feeling: I feel great. I’ve only felt nauseous
once. I forgot to take my prenatal vitamin one night, so I took it them the next
morning. While driving to work, I thought I was going to have to pull over on
the side of the road and “be sick.” After darting across three lanes of
traffic, the feeling passed. Thank goodness. I hope that doesn’t happen again.
I haven’t had much heart burn this week. Yay! Again, I’m exhausted.
Week 7:
What was happening: It's time for our first doctor's visit. We walked right into the Lexington
OBGYN clinic like the proud parents we already are. We both really love my new
doctor, Dr. Karen Schell. She’s actually having her second baby in October,
so she’s really understanding and patient. After answering a million questions,
chatting about all things pregnancy-related and my exam, she sent us off to
have our first ultra sound. We had no idea we’d get to do that on this visit, but I had
been secretly hoping and praying she’d have mercy on us new parents and let us
see our little bundle of joy. Oh. My. Goodness. The first time I saw that sweet
little heartbeat, my heart melted. I looked at Jared, and we were both in love.
The big white dot on the screen that was pounding so hard … that’s our baby!
It’s real. We’re having a baby. That night,
I made copies of our 4 ultrasound pictures and wrote a note to Jared's parents from Baby E, and put them all in a little picture album. When we get to their house (after watching their high school football game), we gave it to them … along with the
cross that we bought them in Mexico. Here's the letter:
Hola mi abuleo y mi abuela!
That’s Spanish for grandfather and grandmother since I don’t
know what really cool name you want me to call you yet (and I thought I’d use
some of the Spanish I learned while in Mexico). I’ve already heard so much
about you, and I’m really looking forward to meeting you. But, mom and dad are
already setting up the rules. They say I can’t come out and play until April 3,
2012. Dolce has been telling me about the farm. He said it’s so much fun to
bite at the tractor tires and go swimming in the muddy pond. I can’t wait! Do
you have horses? If not, can I have one? It would make a really cool birthday present!
I’m planning on making my debut at Central Baptist Hospital
in Lexington. It would be really cool if you were there! For the next few
months, I’d really appreciate your prayers. After all, it’s tough work growing.
Right now, my teeth are beginning to develop and so are my eyes and ears.
Pretty soon I’ll have arms and legs for kicking and screaming. Mom’s going to
love that! Dad’s doing a really great job learning to deal with mom’s mood
swings, napping and cravings. I can already tell he’s going to be a great
dad!
Well, I guess I better get back to developing all my
important and cute little parts. See you in April!
Love,
Baby Edwards
Jared's brother, John recorded the whole thing. I share that on here some time soon.
How am I feeling: Still feeling really good!
I had another sick feeling this
week. Again, took my vitamin in the morning instead of at night. It passed. So
far, so good. My back is starting to hurt, and I’m really tired all the time.
Kelly said, “you’ll never be as exhausted as you are when you’re pregnant.” I
believe it. I could sleep all day. I haven’t really had any cravings or
aversions. Occasionally, I just don’t want something, but I haven’t had
anything make me sick yet. I’ve been eating a lot of fruit and milk.
Week 8 -
What was happening: On my way to
work this morning, I called my Aunt Betty. Kelly has been on me about telling
her. She said she needs to talk to her about it because it’s like being able to
talk to mom. Aunt Betty just found out she’s going to be a Great Grandmother.
And, today, I told her she’s going to be a Great Aunt. The funny thing is, we
both thought my baby would be her first Great niece or nephew until we realized
that it’s actually going to be #10. We decided no one else
needed to know that though. I guess the cat's out of the bag. Sorry Aunt Betty.
How am I feeling: About the same as week. All is well ... and sleepy! Ha ha ha!
