I am so thrilled to announce I am pregnant! And what a surprise it was! Like so many of my friends have said, baby #3 is often a surprise. My husband Bart and I were not trying to have another; instead we were fully enjoying a carefree summer, celebrating birthdays and making more memories with our kids, and then bam! I found out I was pregnant.
I’ll admit, I was in complete shock for a week. This time around was so unlike my first two pregnancies. I wasn’t tracking my ovulation, going to acupuncture, and taking prenatal vitamins and the whole nine yards. I was just enjoying life, feeling like I was getting back to my old self, my old body. Another baby was the last thing on my radar. As soon as the shock wore off for both me and Bart, we got excited and started celebrating the blessing we were given. And suddenly my body started to catch up to my mind. Morning sickness to the max! This time around was by far the worst, lasting all the way until week 16. It didn’t help that I’ve been so busy moving back into our house and chasing after two young kids.
We found out it’s a boy, and Roman is thrilled, Isabella not so much as she was hoping for a baby sister. And Bart was certain it was a girl, for which he was also secretly hoping. He melts over Isabella. And let me tell you, gender disappointment is a real thing! I felt it with Roman. I imagined having a girl for so many years, with pretty pink outfits and playing dress up that when I found out my first was a boy, I was bummed out. Bart had his dose of it this time. But quickly, all the shock and disappointment soon faded, and we’re just so grateful to be growing our family. Of course, Bart and I only ever care about having a healthy baby.
I didn’t immediately announce my pregnancy. We kept it a bit of a secret because I wasn’t ready for the world to know and pour all their energy into it. I first wanted to work on a couple personal projects and focus on Isabella’s birthday. When everyone knows, a new energy and life form is released. Your pregnancy becomes the business of the world! Which can be exciting yet overwhelming.
It’s wild to think I was first pregnant 6 years ago! With age and time has come greater understanding and appreciation. I’m definitely one of those moms who’ll be mothering and breastfeeding in my late 30s. It keeps you young!
Right now I’m at 20 weeks, and my belly has popped a bit so I get to show off the baby bump. Which is so fun!
The timing of this pregnancy couldn’t be more meaningful, since in a few weeks I’m launching my long-awaited online course Countdown To Baby. I have worked tirelessly to put together an online course that’s both educational as well as inspirational. A place to learn about that which most of us aren’t taught before we get pregnant and give birth. A place to feel supported. This is what I needed as a first time mom many years ago. And it’s such an honor now, a soon-to-be mom of 3, to give this gift to the next generation of new mommas!