Rounding the Bend

Twenty-six weeks pregnant. I’m rounding the bend to seven months along and am starting to feel a bit… large. My body has changed in so many ways. I have to admit, while I thought I would find this process a bit daunting, I am enjoying every moment. There is something about having a round tummy that I am thoroughly enjoying.  It is so surreal to feel the baby moving and tumbling around.  I thought I would find it strange or weird, but it is the total opposite.  It's comforting and entertaining.  And most of all, it reminds me that I am not alone. 

One obstacle? It’s becoming increasingly challenging trying to find outfits that work for the office. It’s a bit of a battle every morning in front of my closet door. It’s the debate between looking hot in heels and a low cut top, really rocking the belly out vs. flats, leggings and flat out comfort. I have to admit, the latter usually wins.


26 Weeks

 I feel better than I ever have. I’m eating healthy, listening to good music, resting and spending good quality quiet time with myself as much as possible. I’ve never felt so focused or so confidant. I feel like this is something I've been meant to do, something that I was made to experience.  If only I could slow it down a little.  The time is going by so quickly.

The best part about the whole experience is that B is with me every step of the way. He never misses a moment with me when he gets home at night. I wake up in his arms every morning and listen to him tell me how beautiful I am and how much he loves our family. He talks to the baby and lets them know that we can feel them. We tell the baby how loved it is, how smart and beautiful it is and most of all, that we can’t wait for it to be with us.

The most memorable conversation that he had with the baby was just a few nights ago, involving the two of them making up a plan on how they would meet: “Baby… When you come out, don’t be afraid. Just listen for my voice like you always do. I will be right there waiting for you. I can’t wait to hold you and play with you and teach you all kinds of things. We are going to drive Mommy crazy! It’s going to be so fun.”

My Mom, a.k.a. Nana or Nan, came to visit this past weekend. It was a much needed visit to catch up. I was able to talk with her about all of the things I haven’t had a chance to.  She's so eager to know everything I am going through and is so supportive of every decision I make.  She was able to join us for a doctor's appointment, where they were kind enough to take out the sonogram machine so that Nan could see her grandchild for the first time.  It was a moment I will never forget.  Very emotional and so exciting!

Profile of baby, trying to suck it's thumb!

I take after my Mom in a few ways, one being her perfectionist personality. As soon as she arrived, we had projects that we needed to accomplish for the baby. I will fully admit, the hysteria has begun to set in. My husband is a saint for dealing with two A-Personalities at once.

Exhibit A) Mom brought a brand new painting for our redecorated living room. It had to be hung promptly after she arrived. Notice the fits of hysterical laughter. I truly thought B may swing around and smash her in the face with it. But surprisingly, we made it out in one piece and it is gorgeous.

Exhibit B) Nan brought us a beautiful hand painted room divider for the baby’s area. It matches our bedding set perfectly. It is the kind of piece that will stay with us for a lifetime. It’s so beautiful and reminds us of our honeymoon in Africa.

Exhibit C) Nan & I worked on this beautiful stencil for our loft area. This is going to be an area for the changing table and general hang out spot. It came out fabulous! We were very proud.

The rest of the weekend we spent enjoying Manhattan, good food & wine (I even had a sip or two) and family. My Aunt Kathy and cousin Ryan came up to spend time with us. We had such a great weekend hanging out together. It had been so long since we al spent time laughing and talking and just catching up in general.

The gals at brunch at Thataway Cafe

There is something about being with people who have known you for your entire life, know all of your trials and tribulations and still love you unconditionally.  It felt so warm and comforting to have everyone in our home.  It felt so good to share a few family dinners and to talk and laugh about the past.  We share a bond that has only grown stronger as the years have gone on.  Now that I am starting a family of my own, I know how important it is to hang on to friendships and family members that mean so very much.  Time has to be made for memories like this. 

There are moments in this crazy journey where I sit and think to myself how much our lives have changed already. I can already feel us evolving into different people. We’ve grown and changed so much. There is no arguing, no raised voices. Just serenity and peacefulness about the life we have created and how thankful we are to have found each other. I know it is corny, but you have to be grateful for the gifts you’ve been given. Even if it is as mundane as a new couch, a loving husband and a pregnant belly to rub.