being pregnant

Weeks 1-2
It starts off so romantic and innocent, with love bringing us close in mind and body. We are husband and wife, best friends needing little else than one another.

Week 3
Then comes the inkling that something has changed. Seems unlikely, but I can't shake the feeling. We take a late night trip to the drug store (haven't we all?). I pee and we wait those long 5 minutes. Dumbstruck, crying, very happy, confused. What just happened?

Week 4
Is it real? I feel good, the hazy feeling in my head is gone, my stomach is still, well, as flat as it's gonna get. But I still don't see red. We keep looking at my belly in wonder at what's happening so quietly in there. It's exciting. Surreal! Guess what?!--most people seem to know already. Turns out we aren't the only ones who've been waiting for the news.

Weeks 5-8
I've developed a little pooch. Makes me look more out-of-shape than pregnant. I'm not sure what to wear. Then again, who cares? I am pregnant after all. It's not my problem if they think I'm fat.

Weeks 8-Eternity
Now I'm feeling lousy. My love, Andrei, diligently peels me an orange each morning while I'm still half asleep to quell the impending storm in my stomach. They say to eat dry crackers, but the orange goes down so well; besides the crackers make me thirsty. The rest of the day, no matter how I try to eat, I feel like I've taken a bunch of vitamins on an empty stomachugh. Eventually the bad days overtake the good ones in frequency. I'm so sick of crackers, broth and Gatorade, but it's so hard to swallow a sandwich. You want me to take what-oil pills? I don't eat fish! I have a hunch this is going to last all nine months. True, it could be worse. And yes, it's a good sign that the pregnancy is coming along. Great.

Week 18
One day it happens. I get up before Andrei, wander around, have some tea. Then I stop: I haven't eaten! Hey, I don't feel so bad! I could get used to this. Sure I still need to eat constantly, but so what?

Week 20
A little fatigue and some growing pains are all that remain of the discomfort. My belly is getting rounder and looking more pregnant. Now all this really does just remind me that our baby is growing. What joy! This is the best time of the pregnancy, they say you have a feeling of well-being, excitement and energy. So far this is generally true for me, with the exception of my increased mood swings (just ask Andrei). I've started exercising little by little, and I'm getting crafty with little baby things (crocheting and cross-stitching). I'm looking forward to being a stay-at-home-mama with little side jobs.

Week 22
It's a girl! Is it cheating to get an ultrasound when there's no real need? Sorta...but what of it? It's so fun to see her unclench that little fist and fan a perfect set of fingers. Seeing her body for the fist time is amazing. He tiny heart pumps mightily with all four chambers, and all her organs are there and in their proper places. She kicks and pounds, letting us know we're invading her space with that probe. She's lying vertically, head down next to a soft cushion, my bladder! Hey I'll pee a hundred times a day for you, princess.

Week 23
I want her to know her papa's voice, especially. When he says his evening prayers, we are right beside him taking in the sound of his voice and of his faith. He kisses her goodnight and good morning and tells her how much she's loved. She's even been serenaded by his favorite band Red Hot Chili Peppers via an earphone in the belly button; apparently there are great acoustics in the womb! This is one lucky little girl to have such a good papa. I can't wait for us all to meet. These days I'm beginning to really wonder: who are you, little one? Will you be boisterous and active or more of a chiller? Either way, I know you'll have a will of iron like your parents. You won't leave us guessing, that's for sure. Will you be more interested in dolls or tools or things that go? Of course you're amazing, whoever you are. However you come out physically/mentally, you'll be perfect. You're being made for us, and we, your family, have been made for you. We will all grow through our imperfections together and prove to be a perfect match.