Hey everyone! I wanted to share some big news in my life, since you all are so sweet to share this space with me on a regular basis, which means so much to me. In 16 weeks time, my life is about to change in a big way — I'm pregnant!! This is me at 24 weeks. Dan and I are beyond thrilled! It's feeling really real now that my belly has popped, we've moved (and can start planning a nursery in our second bedroom), and I can feel the baby kicking.
Some questions people ask all the time: we don't know if we're having a boy or a girl — we're waiting to find out. I think it will be the best surprise ever. Most people seem to think we're having a boy (which is what I feel), but we'd be so happy either way. I'm working with the Midwifery of Manhattan and I'll hopefully be delivering naturally at the birthing center at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital. Pregnancy has been a real ride for me, and I've learned a lot about my own inner strength and coping skills from the tough parts. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you may have noticed more scattered posts from me in the fall. I had a more extreme form of morning sickness that lasted about 12 weeks — during that time the nausea was relentless all day and night and I got sick daily, often multiple times a day and experienced fever chills in the evenings (I also got a kidney infection in the middle of it all, which wasn't fun.) Simple tasks, like loading the dishwasher or going to the grocery store, were impossible because of my strong sense of smell, and it was tough to keep down any food. I kind of looked and felt like a zombie for three months, and then had a month with no appetite where food was still a big struggle. Thankfully, the nausea has passed and I can now eat and have a lot more energy. I have a profound new respect for all the moms out there as I move through this journey of pregnancy. It's definitely not always easy, but I know it's all so worth it and I feel really lucky. I especially feel lucky to have you, Dan — I couldn't have gotten through these 6 months without you. I can't believe we're going to meet our little one in a few months!
I promise not to turn this entire blog into pregnancy updates and baby posts, but I will post occasional baby finds that have caught my eye, since creating the nursery is my big project for this spring. I'd love to hear from you as I go along — I really don't know what I'm doing since this is my first go-around and I'm one of the first of my friends to get pregnant. Always feel free to leave comments or drop me a line with any baby or pregnancy-related advice.
I'm off to pack for our beach vacation. Dan and I are headed to Turks & Caicos for a week, so I'll see you next Monday! It's our last escape, or babymoon, and I cannot wait to dip my toes (and belly!) in the ocean.
ps. I'm wearing a fox tunic tee from Linea Carta's new textile line. It's not a maternity tee, but it's long (and super soft) and I love Diva's silk-screened designs. I bought a couple and they're my favorite pregnancy tee-shirts that stretch well for the belly.
Thanks for all your support! The blog community is amazing, and I'm so happy to share our big news with you. xo Jen
