Love Bump.

 

Now that the cat's out of the bag, I'll admit it-- I'm preggers and 5.5 months to be exact. I've been trying to see how long I could hold back our little secret from the public, but I guess it's a bit obvious now. This photo was actually taken a month ago, but this dress seems to accentuate the bump even more so...

Anyway, its been an extremely surreal, yet blissful journey full of challenges (hello, nausea!), new discoveries and blessings upon blessings. We've been truly thankful for all the support and prayers thus far, but the journey isn't over yet! In fact, this is just the beginning of life with an additional little one whom we will always love and worry about for the rest our lives. The thought can be rather intimidating, but we are looking forward to all that parenthood has to bring-- the good, the bad, the gruesome...we figured the Lord won't give us more than what he thinks we are capable of handling!


Some things I've discovered along the way...

• Morning sickness is an understatement, and there is such a thing as evening sickness
• Don't travel during the first trimester because the airplane and change of environment/time zones can put your nausea at an all-time high
• The movement of the baby (according to my friend Christi), feels like a giant gummy bear inside of your tummy
• Eating for two does not literally mean eating double the amount you normally eat
• There is no need for maternity clothes when the current fashion involves figureless tops and maxi dresses (thank you, Lord!)
• The number one question everyone asks: "Do you have any unusual cravings?" I'm still waiting for one!
• Your dog can become protective of the bump and somehow knows there is something living inside of you before others can even tell
• Don't eat your breakfast in the car, unless you want to see it come back up
• The most awkward stage of pregnancy is when you look like you've had one too many beers and the people around you are too embarrassed to ask
• Couvade is an actual symptom (aka sympathy pregnancy) that the father can develop-- Just ask Mike : ) 
• I've put myself on a somewhat strict pregnancy diet (no caffeine, raw/rare seafood & meats, processed meats, etc.) and its been easier to stay on track when I realize that what I'm feeding myself affects the little one growing inside
• The months go by quickly and each week, my belly seems to outgrow itself...