Pregnancy is…

Pregnancy is…

Taking the temperature of the bath with a meat thermometer because I need my self care soak but I have to make sure it’s not too hot for the baby.

Taping my bra when the underwire pokes out because I have no more that fit and I’m saving up for one of those fancy nursing bras.

Throwing up, brushing my teeth, and heading off to work.

Having to get off the bus and take an Uber home because I wasn’t sure I’d make it without peeing my pants.

Eating ice cream and laying down so the baby does a little dancey-dance in my tummy.

Buying nursery furniture and bugging my partner to set it up the minute it arrives no matter what he’s doing because NESTING!

Saying “hi baby” every time I feel a kick so little one doesn’t feel ignored.

Explaining “the baby really wanted it” every time I order takeout.

Wearing cute girly outfits…with compression socks and sneakers.

Ripping off my belly band at the bus stop because I can’t even stand to wear it on the short walk home.

Jumping up and down and making my partner dance with me at the doctor’s office because they need the baby to change positions so we can see their little face.

The further along I get, the more I let go of an idealized version of pregnancy and instead revel in small, sometimes silly moments of this roller coaster ride I’m on as I prepare to bring this little being into the world. I am filled with pride at what my body is capable of; as my baby grows, so do I. To all the mamas out there: I see you in your quiet strength that often goes unnoticed, and I’m so beyond proud to become a member of your ranks in a few short months!

With love (and a sore back),

Nichole