I have embarked on a new adventure: pregnancy. (!!!) After being on the fence for about 7 or 8 years, Joel and I finally decided to have a baby.
My nephew played a huge part in our decision. We had a few opportunities to spend time with him over the past year: 10 days in St John in February, 5 days in Chicago in October, and another 7 days in the beginning of November here in Rochester. As soon as my brother and Jack left Rochester, Joel and I looked at each other and we immediately knew that we were ready. A few weeks later, I found myself in Wegmans shopping for a pregnancy test. I knew that I was pregnant (so much for it taking up to a year to happen per my doctor’s comment… HA!). Apparently all the planets aligned and it was the right time. I was ready in every possible way.
My pregnancy has not been too bad so far. I did not experience any morning sickness, which I feel very lucky about. One thing that I have had is food aversions, which has been making my culinary experience a bit challenging.
I am unable to eat any meat, since it smells and tastes horribly. I realized this as I was feeding my kitty his chicken in gravy dinner. His food smelled appalling. Then that same evening, I cooked some chicken. Just disgusting! I am pretty bummed by this since I can no longer eat Bánh Mì sandwiches.
Another thing that I cannot eat is green peppers. Joel and I met for lunch at Chipotle one day and I ordered my usual: two tacos with brown rice, sautéed green peppers and onions, corn salsa, guacamole, and lettuce. I took one bite of my taco and my entire lunch was ruined. I have not had peppers since.
The same happened with nuts (walnuts, cashews, pecans, and almonds). Just no good! Luckily pistachios and pumpkin seeds still tasted ok, since the Matchstick Pasta recipe is on my dinner list pretty frequently and my favorite cereal contains pumpkin seeds. I tasted an almond two weeks ago and it actually tasted good, so I have been snacking on a few lately.
Cooking onions and garlic is also appalling, which is not good since most dishes require these two cooking staples.
The last thing that really bummed me was the aversion to chocolate. Just sad!! I really hope that this changes soon, because I really miss chocolate.
Aside from all these aversions, food still does taste good. Especially Bosc pears, clementines, avocados, blueberries, Pirates Booty Veggie snacks, fish, and salad just to name a few things. So my culinary experience is not completely in ruins.
The last thing that I would like to mention is my growing belly. I frequently find myself rubbing it and talking to the baby. Don’t get me wrong… I have my moments. Sometimes when I look in the mirror it looks like I’ve just eaten 10,000 donuts. But then I remember that it is not true and I feel better. Also, the fact that I have a baby growing in my belly is just mind-blowing! I still cannot believe it. I have experienced a few strange but also amazing things during the past 14 weeks. For example, I knew right away that I was pregnant. I cannot explain the feeling that I had… I just knew. Also, slouching is not too comfortable since I can feel this thing pushing up towards my ribs. I have been told that it will get even worse once the baby gets bigger. Same goes with leaning forward. My bathroom mirror is fairly far from the sink so I have to lean forward to look into it. Whenever I do that, I can feel this ball like thing falling forward towards the front of my belly. So strange! And when I try sucking my stomach in, nothing happens. HA!
My favorite moments so far have been the ultrasounds. I love seeing the baby. The fun part is that the baby was constantly moving during every ultrasound. It is getting ready to pedal, run, and dance. :)
I look forward to the future experiences that this new adventure will bring. I am sure that there will be many.
Congratulations to you and Joel! By the way you’re describing your experience so far, it shows that this baby is already very loved. I’m happy you’re happy! Big hug. Lénia
Ok….how to make a future grandma tear up! LOVED your post. LOVE you…and the man who is the father-to-be! (aka, your husband, my son).
That little belly has grown since I saw you!
And, Jack, if your mommy and daddy are reading this post…tell them to give you 1,000 extra hugs! You are the reason you are going to be a cousin, and Aunt Veronica and Uncle Joel are going to be a mommy and daddy! You rock, kiddo….hope to meet you in person one day! :)
Congratulations! Thinking of one or two names yet?
I love this post! I love that you guys are feeling so, so happy! Pregnancy is such an amazing experience, and then having the little guy/gal in your arms for the first time, and every little (actually huge) thing they do, just amazing!
You look so beautiful, too!
Awww!! Thanks so much Andrea! You are so sweet. I am really excited about this experience! So is Joel. :) XO!
Love the blog V! Congratulations on the daughter you are carrying. Looking forward to seeing your “growth” pattern soon. ;^) Halafway through! YAAAAY!
Thanks Cindy!! :)
Oops – *halfway*