Pre-Parenthood Lessons

I made a comment recently on Facebook that I am “starting to learn the lessons of parenthood” and I got some interesting responses. Some parents welcomed me to the club and some laughed at me and kindly said I ain’t seen nothing yet! I proudly wear the title of “Super Auntie” and I’m lucky enough to have a lot of close friends & family with children so I think I have a pretty good perspective on parenthood. I respectfully realize that I have only been visiting the rodeo and it all changes when you can’t send them home at the end of the day. But I do feel like I am gradually being introduced to some of the concepts of mommyhood. Let me explain further….

Lack of sleep is the first thing that comes to mind. Lately I find myself waking up in the middle of the night and I’m unable to go back to sleep for hours. My mind is clear and I’m wide awake as if it’s the middle of the afternoon. Then all of sudden with out reason or warming I’ll crash out again. I was fighting this phenomenon at first which just lead to more frustration. So now I just go with it. I check emails or facebook, watch some bad late night TV and I know eventually it will pass. I guess my body is getting me ready for those over night feedings. It’s funny, I used to be quite the night owl, but now making it through all of the Jon Stewart Show is impressive – oh how times have changed!

Patience is another concept that is not entirely new, but I am experiencing on another level. I have never been a very patience person as I’ve discussed on this blog before (the wait to find out the sex of my baby almost killed me!) I remember the beginning of my pregnancy and how anxious I was, time seemed to tick by so slowly and I wondered how I was ever going to make it thru the next 30 weeks. Then I started thinking back to when we were trying to get pregnant and how far away and impossible that goal seemed. Maybe it’s time, or perspective or the hormones but I have felt a new sense of calm lately. I still have that desire for the immediate response, but when it’s not possible I don’t feel that overwhelming sense of frustration that I used to.

But it’s the loss of control that I have really been struggling with. It began the moment this precious little girl started growing inside of me and my body was no longer my own. And while I am so honored to be hosting her for the next few months, it has definitely taken some time to get used to. I can’t control my hormones, my sleep patterns, my stomach, my heartburn just to names a few things. But I’ve learned I can get through it, I can survive that and a whole lot more on her behalf. But the unknowns you can’t control are still incredibly nerve racking. If there is something wrong I want to know exactly what it is and I want to be able to fix it. But pregnancy is full of unknowns – as I guess parenthood will be – and that loss of control is so difficult to embrace. But just as she is growing, changing and getting stronger every day so am I. Clearly this gestational period is not just for her, it’s the beginning of my growth as a parent. And while I don’t think I’ll be completely ready for it all at the end of these 40 weeks, I know this time is preparing me for what lies ahead.

Some other big news is I have become a working Mommy-To-Be. I am a freelancer and I have not been working for most of my pregnancy, but recently began a project that has got me back in the swing of things. More on that next time, but here’s a hint – Baby Girl is not the only Diva on the scene anymore! ;)

Half Way There

It's been a busy few weeks for this Mommy-to-be! It started with some exciting news - Baby New Year will be a baby girl! I was really anxious to find out the sex and it was such a big moment for me to hear we are having a girl. I had a hunch, but didn't trust myself enough to believe it. As we watched the sonogram and saw her profile, her little legs kicking, and her whole body twist & turn I was overwhelmed. She literally mooned us and the Tech froze the screen to confirm that vacant space between her legs meant we were looking at our daughter. I smiled and my eyes welled up because it felt like such a giant step in getting to know this precious little being growing inside of me.

So now I am 20 weeks and half way there! I have felt a great change in my pregnancy over the last 2-3 weeks. My energy is back, my stomach has settled down and the crazy mood swings seem to happen less and less. I still get a volcanic case of heartburn every once in a while, but nothing like before. I think my mind, body and spirit are getting used to being pregnant. There are some new challenges - sore hips, trips to the bathroom at 1am and 4am, and my shoes seems to get farther and farther away every day. But I really am enjoying this second trimester shift and I plan to make the most of it! I am not sure when the 'nesting' phase is supposed to begin, but I am an event planner by trade so I have been mapping things out since Week 6. But now I really have the energy and desire to get the ball rolling. We had our first trip to Babys R Us and I can't wait to start building the registry and designing the nursery for her. I know the next 20 weeks will surely fly by as fast as the last 20.

All this new found energy couldn't have come at a better time because I have started on a new work project that will keep me busy until the end of September. That is really why I have not been blogging and tweeting as often. But I am trying to find a balance - I know I will have to find it with work and mommyhood in the near future - so I am practicing my balancing act now. I greatly welcome any words of wisdom from you wise Mommys - please share your secrets with the new girl! ;)

Be back soon,
NikkiD

Him/Her

Full disclosure upfront - I am an incredibly impatient person! I talk fast, I work fast, I like an immediate response. I could never fall asleep as a kid on Christmas Eve and when a birthday present came in the mail I opened it right away, even if my birthday was a week away. All that said, not knowing the sex of my baby is starting to drive me crazy! First of all I am getting tired of saying "the Baby" or "it". My nephew started using the term "Him/Her" and I think it's adorable - but it's a mouthful. I have found myself saying "her" and "she" just to use a pronoun. So now I am starting to envision a girly future - but what if it's a boy?! I truly would be happy either way I just want to know which path I am on. We have a doctor's appointment on Friday and if the little one cooperates hopefully we'll have answer. I really admire women who can wait til the delivery to find out, but I can barely hold on until the end of the week. Did you find out the sex of your baby? How did knowing or not knowing change your pregnancy?

Not much else to report this week. Sleeping is starting to become a little tricky. I am having crazy dreams and apparently I am starting to talk in my sleep (that could get very interesting!) I wake up a lot in the middle of the night and it's hard to get/stay comfortable. Husband scored major points when he came home with the Snoogle! It's really helped me - and I bet it's helped him get a better night's sleep, too! Speaking of my darling Husband, I can not express how amazing he has been! He's always been a pretty laid back guy, but in the last few weeks he's mastered the art of being cool, calm and collected. I have had some crazy mood swings and there are times when I can barely stand to be around myself, but he takes it all in stride. I say it all the time, but I can't say it enough - I feel so lucky to have his love, friendship and support. I love my partner in crime! :)