As I grow closer and closer to my due date, I can’t help but think about how our lives are about to change forever. A rush of feelings are constantly running through my mind. Excitement is high up there, but along with this comes fear, nerves, joy, curiosity, wonder, and the list goes on.
This is our first time doing this, so to be completely honest, I have absolutely no idea what to expect. When I say this, it is in regards to so many things: the rest of pregnancy, labor, delivery, bringing baby home, raising a child, etc. Are we actually ready? What the heck are we doing?! I hope I am not alone with all of these feelings. I assume these are normal first time parent thoughts.
When I think about the rest of my pregnancy journey and beyond, there are a few questions that stand out:
1. How will I know I’m in labor?
So far I’ve heard that very few women have that movie moment where their water bursts everywhere and then you are immediately in labor with regular contractions, and have the need to get right to the hospital. It sounds like many women don’t experience their water breaking on their own, or before contractions begin. I’ve kind of always wanted that movie moment (but hey – who doesn’t?). Although due to the fact that I’m pretty much always home, it doesn’t sound like I’ll be out and about doing anything exciting if the moment happens. In all honesty I think this is a good thing. 😂
2. What the heck is labor going to be like?
I think we have all heard stories from friends and family of their birth experience in one way or another. Everyone’s is so incredibly different – it is wild. What will my story be like? I can’t help but to think of all the different things that could happen. I certainly have an idea of how I would like it to go in my mind, but am doing my very best to remain open minded as the most important thing is that baby and mama remain safe and healthy during this time. I am trying to keep my mind at ease and remove fear from this very new and different experience. Once I get into my head, I know things can start to go south, so remaining calm is going to be key. **Cue laughter from my family because Rachel and staying calm don’t always go together. 😂 But with proper preparation, I am hoping I can remain strong and keep mind over matter.
3. What is baby going to look like?
(This is more of a fun one). But really… what is baby going to look like? What will she get from me, and what will she get from Mike? We decided not to go to one of those ultrasound boutiques for a 4D scan in the third trimester. This is the chance when you really get to see baby’s face and features. As I mentioned in my 36 week update, we didn’t get to see baby girl’s face in our last ultrasound at the Doctor’s office because she was face down and all squished up in there, so we really don’t know what to expect! I’m assuming she’ll have a head of hair, just like her mama had when she came out. Okay… I’m just totally expecting a mini-me. 😂 That’s okay; right? In completely biased motherhood – she will be beautiful no matter how she looks or who she takes after. I’m just hoping she’s a little thing!
The final and biggest fear is…
4. How do I take care of this tiny little human?
Isn’t the idea of having a baby the craziest thing? You go through 9 months of growing this precious little life inside of you. One day, they decide to make their entrance into the world. At first you are surrounded by help in the hospital with a plethora of medical experience and knowledge. Then, after a few short days, or even hours, you are released back into real life with this tiny human being that you are fully responsible for. What?? At least when they are on the inside, there isn’t much thought that goes into it. Be healthy, take my vitamins… and they grow. Now suddenly, they are completely dependent on us, and little do they know… we have no idea what we are doing! 😂
Both Mike and I don’t have much experience with kids; especially newborns. He is an only child and I am the youngest in the family. Sure, I’ve changed a diaper before, but heck – it’s been like 15+ years. I don’t think Mike has ever changed a diaper… I am just hoping that what everyone says is true, and that motherly instincts will just kick in once baby is here. It’s going to be trial and error, and learn as we go, but the one thing that I know for sure is this baby is already so loved, and we are ready to give her the best life possible.
Despite our fears, and nerves, and the unknown, it’s going to be a beautiful new life. We can’t wait to meet you, baby girl!
Laugh Often – Rachel
Simply Stoops 