It has been ten and a half years since my first pregnancy, and over six years since my last pregnancy, and as I reflect on how it feels to be pregnant yet again, I can’t help but compare and contrast those experiences. And so, without further ado:
Pregnancy, Then and Now
The first time I got a positive pregnancy test, I called just about every one I knew within 2.4 minutes of those two lines showing up. I even called my husband, while he was at work, and told him over the phone. So sweet of me, I know…
The fourth time I got a positive pregnancy test I waited 48 hours to tell my husband and a month to tell anyone else outside of a few close friends. And most days I forgot about it at least four times throughout the day.
The first time I got a positive pregnancy test, I ran to the bookstore and bought a minimum of five books on pregnancy, sleep training babies, proper nutrition for pregnancy, and baby names. I followed every guideline, suggestion, and rule of thumb to a T.
The fourth time I got a positive pregnancy test, I downloaded a pregnancy app on my phone, read the first few weeks, then never opened it again because who has time to worry about all that?! Vitamins, decent nutrition, and exercise. The rest of those things are mere guidelines…
The first time I got a positive pregnancy test, I ran to Babies R Us and looked at all the things I would need to welcome a baby. I was crazy overwhelmed and I compiled a list of over 100 items that I would soon register for.
The fourth time I got a positive pregnancy test, I wondered if there was even a Babies R Us near by, and even if there was, I’m sure I’d get around to visiting sometime in the next 7 months. And also? I know that I really only need about 1/4 of those items now, so why stress?
The first time I got a positive pregnancy test, I couldn’t wait to start showing and to wear maternity clothes. It felt like forever before that happened, and I bought and wore maternity shirts before I really needed them because I wanted everyone to know that I was with child.
The fourth time I got a positive pregnancy test, I started showing before the pee on the stick dried. I visited a maternity shop and gagged at the thought of wearing those clothes again. I will squeeze into my regular clothes for as long as possible, and after that, there’s always loose, flowy dresses. Amen.
The first time I got a positive pregnancy test, I could think of nothing but babies, babies, babies. I doodled names on scrap pieces of paper. I read books and magazines. I designed nurseries in my head, and I did all the research I possibly could on child birth.
The fourth time I got a positive pregnancy test, I put in another load of laundry, scrubbed down the kitchen, and made beds. I haven’t thought of any names yet (although Tia is adamant on Elsa for a girl and Kristoph for a boy), and I plan on squeezing a crib into the guest bedroom. The baby will get it’s own corner in the house. Lucky kid…
The first time I got a positive pregnancy test, I planned on life stopping when the baby was born. I would stay home, and the baby would get routine morning and afternoon naps every single day.
The fourth time I got a positive pregnancy test, I thought of all the places I would get to go with this baby in tow. I hope this baby likes sleeping in a car seat…
The first time I got a positive pregnancy test, I felt in awe of the fact that I was carrying life. I treasured the thought of holding a baby in my arms, and couldn’t wait to meet the child that would be mine.
The fourth time I got a positive pregnancy test, I felt the exact same way.
Then the older kids started arguing, and I didn’t have time to dwell on it anymore…
Love this! 🙂 I’m 1/2 way through my 3rd pregnancy and all of this is SO true!!! Congratulations, btw!
This is so funny and true. I remember so much changing between my first and fourth pregnancies, although they were only 4 years apart… can’t even imagine how different it would be now. I’m really excited for you all! You posted recently about how you’re of “advanced childbearing age” or however it’s stated these days, and I wanted to share by way of encouragement – While my brother is only 19 months younger than me, my sisters are 8 years and 14 years younger than me, born when my mom was 36 and 42. She and my dad got their fair share of disbelieving looks and comments, and they became grandparents when their youngest child was 10, but let me tell you – everyone in our family (and many, many others) have been so blessed because those two girls joined our family later in the game. And even though I’m so much older than them, I was able to invest in their lives in a lot of different ways because of that. So, congrats again! So fun 🙂
This post made me laugh! So true! I experienced the same feelings between my first and fourth (7 years apart) – our 4th pregnancy was quite a surprise too – although in a completely different way than yours… our 3rd was only 6 months old when I saw 2 lines on a stick staring back at me! My husband’s reaction “You are kidding, right?” It took a little bit to adjust to the shock, but we feel so blessed! Congratulations and good Luck!