Getting to the third trimester of your first pregnancy is very exciting, extremely exciting even. You’ve gotten over the first months of sickness, the tests, the second trimester new baby bump clothes, the unsure feeling of your stomach expanding for the first time, and now beginning to get a little uncomfortable.
I find talking with other pregnant soon-to-be mom’s that every pregnancy is different but we all experience some of the same feelings. In the early stages the morning sickness, or nausea, the new smells, and sore breasts. In the middle trimester, the food cravings, the excitement of telling family members, journaling, hearing the heartbeat for the first time, and preparing for the new arrival. As I head into the third trimester, I feel tired and exhausted but a feeling of excitement is making it easier to handle than months before.
Some of my family members have let me know that it is time I really enjoy this pregnancy and stop complaining about how tired and sore I am, because they’re tired of hearing it for the past seven months. I have to agree with them. I can see how one can get caught up in feeling the pains, letting the tiredness take you to exhaustion, letting the sleepless nights drag you down. I can also see that focusing on the new developments of this trimester has been very beneficial to my mood. I love when I can feel the baby fluttering around (sometimes kicking me hard so it feels like my mucus plug will fall out). I love that now I can hear her heartbeat through the placenta from my stomach with my stethoscope, I love that I’m beginning to be able to tell the difference between when her bum is up in my stomach or her head (and that I can rub it away from crushing me).
I love how excited everyone around me is getting, and the first baby shower my sister-in-law through me, and all the lovely outfits, books, blankets and toys she received.
I love feeling blessed that she is going to be the most beautiful, healthy and normal baby girl we’ve ever seen.
I’m enjoying picking out cloth diapers, breast pump, crib, all the essentials for the newborn baby girl. I love the fact that soon in the next few weeks we’ll have the nursery ready. I can’t wait to use the bassinet my father made for our new baby girl, and that I’ll be rocking her on the same rocking chair my mother used for me. I love how excited my parents are getting. I love planning with my husband how we’re going to raise our little girl, and things we are certain we want to do, like making our own baby food. No junk food, all fresh and organic. I also love that we feel the same way about discipline and that no matter what we will never hit or spank our children in any way. We also have agreed not to have a birth plan, going in with open eyes and knowing that things change in a split second. We’re also very happy that my mother (a lactation consultant, breastfeeding queen, prenatal teacher, early childhood educator, and experienced professional for over 35 years) will be joining the both of us for her birth. She will act as “our support” and my husband will be “my” support. We’re both really excited to be entering into parenthood, smiling and optimistic. We realize how tired we are going to be; we realize how exhausting it is, and how much of a sacrifice having children really is. We are ready and excited.
The countdown to Mommy hood is on…10.5 more weeks.