Friday, November 25, 2011

The reality of pregnancy.



A loooooong time ago I wrote an 'About Me' page, in which I shamelessly gushed about a few random things: my love for Hong Kong, a freak gift for latin dancing, my boyfriend's basketball obsession - and wanting to be a mother.

I've always wanted to be a mother, as most women do. Someone's obviously been feeding nature's maternal instinct its spinach, as it seems to kicking along, alive and well. Pat on the back, mother nature - here's to a job well done.

I still want to be a mother. I've always known I'd check in as a permanent resident of Heartbreak Hotel if I was one day told I'd never become one. I couldn't bear to think of it.

And now, I've been told I'm going to become one. Provided all goes well, of course. And I really do know how lucky and blessed that makes me. 

But, here's the thing... Call me a dreamer, but I always thought that when that moment came, I'd tumble into a huge vat of happiness... Giddily rolling around in it like bubbles dancing in lemonade. But, the reality is, when I found out, my reaction was... different. I panicked. Worried. Freaked out. Wondered. Even cried.

This wasn't a planned pregnancy, this was a surprise. Some say that's the best kind. I kinda think they're all amazing. But, because a MAJOR life decision was made for me (can you say understatement?), the control freak in me froze. I wondered if I was really ready for this, if I could cope with a long pregnancy, if I have the skills to be a mother, if I am capable of putting my needs on hold for, I dunno... the next few decades. And all I saw when I walked the streets were babies crying and toddlers throwing tantrums.

It didn't help that I didn't have a great first trimester. Thank heavens I wasn't vomity, but I did suffer from enormous fatigue and a constant feeling of extreme flu. It's hard to be emotionally strong when your body just isn't there for you. I've always loved to work, socialise, be strong. Physically, I just didn't feel like myself. Because I'm kinda not, right now. There's two of us trying to make it through in here - a shared space.

So, I found myself worrying about what this all meant, rather than spinning cartwheels down the street with sudden joy. And that's fairly frightening to admit, because I'd hate to think my child-to-be would ever think he/she was unwanted. I never didn't want it. In fact, I recall when I was doing my pregnancy test, I was secretly crossing my fingers that it would be positive. But, I can't change the fact that I was totally blind-sided by nature. And now, the good news is, at the start of my second trimester, I am feeling much, much more excited. There might even be some cartwheels in my future. I'm still scared, but I want it. I want it really REALLY bad. And I know how lucky I am.

So maybe this is it... the first of many surprises of motherhood. I've now learned that wistfully dreaming about something usually transforms into a self-portrait of sunshine, roses, and vats of lemonade. The reality of it can look, feel and taste quite different. But that doesn't make it any less important, or any less beautiful. In fact, it's more so. Because it's actually real.

Oh, and does all this also mean I need to edit my 'About Us' page? Because I really can't be bothered.

6 comments:

  1. Oh how wonderful..congratulations lovely x

    All those feelings are completely natural...and as time goes on you will find yourself embracing it alot more...you are truly blessed honey..it is just one of those things in life that you have no idea just how much of an impact it is going to have on your life...for the better...it puts everything else into perspective.

    Being 7 months pregnant..to our second child ( not planned really) I most certainly had more than an " Oh Shit" moment...but what I realise is that this is truly a gift..it was meant to be..this little baby boy growing inside of me...was meant to be...and I cannot wait to meet him.

    Just allow yourself to be...to feel...whatever comes....this baby is going to open your eyes and heart to more wonder in the world than you have so far seen or experienced....he was made with love.

    Anna x

    p.s second trimester should be a lot better for you..usually the morningn sickness and fatigue subsides.

    Looking forward to following this amazing journey with you.

    Big Hugs,

    Anna x

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  2. Awwww congratulations on your pregnancy! Al this feeling are very familiar to me. I was having vivid dreams, weird thoughts during first two months. Was constantly hungry and angry :-(
    This is a beautiful time we are meant to enjoy in our lives and prepare ourselves for motherhood -)
    I will be following you on this blog for updates, since I am only 12 weeks myself :-)

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  3. Belinda AchterstraatNovember 25, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Oh, I'm with you. When I started telling people, they were high fiving and jumping around and I was totally bewildered. I had no excitement, no fear, I was completely numb. I knew I was lucky and I knew that I wanted the baby (in fact we were trying) but for the first 3 months, there's nothing really good about pregnancy, you can't tell anyone, you feel fat, bloated and you don't want to get your hopes up.. just in case. But, as time has gone on, I'm feeling much more thrilled and excited. Some might even say clucky (I'll deny that in a court of law). But boy, did I feel guilty for not doing the happy dance when I found out.
    B x

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  4. Congratulations on your pregnancy dear Natalie!
    I wish you all the best!

    Have a great weekend, kisses:)

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  5. Congratulations on your pregnancy! Enjoy the ride, there's nothing like it! :)

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  6. Hi there. I found your blog through Blogher and this post really spoke to me! I was pregnant and then delivered in Korea.

    Congrats on your pregnancy! There are cute maternity clothes to be had and lots of fun shopping to do!

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Thank you for your comment! X

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