Some readers have asked for an update on how I’m feeling and how this pregnancy is progressing, so I thought a quick Young House Life check-in would be nice. The short answer: I’m so excited about this little bun. John is thrilled, and Clara proudly tells anyone who will listen that she’s going to be a big sister. Burger seems a bit indifferent for now, but I’m sure when a sticky-handed kid arrives he’ll warm up to the idea.
It took me a long time to feel ready to carry a child again (I wrote more about that here), and it took longer to get pregnant this time than the first. Over that stretch, though, my feelings changed slowly and in a very sweet way. I’m much more at peace with pregnancy than I expected to be—what once filled me with anxious tears now feels like something I can look forward to. When people ask how I knew I was ready after a traumatic birth, the honest answer is that, over time, excitement and hope gradually outweighed the fear. The fear hasn’t vanished entirely, but it’s smaller and less overwhelming than before. My advice to anyone wrestling with similar feelings is to give yourself time and see if hope, joy, or excitement ever begin to outweigh the fear. For me it didn’t happen overnight—Clara will be almost four when this baby arrives—but I’m finally in the place I hoped I would be. I’m thrilled, grateful, and ready for this unpredictable, nail-biting ride.
On the physical side, I’m feeling kicks that make me smile instantly, and my energy has begun to return, at least for now. The doctors are keeping a close eye on things, and both the baby and I are doing well, which is incredibly comforting to hear. Even a small kick calms me down, so despite ongoing all-day nausea I’m mostly thankful to be carrying a healthy baby. The nausea is less intense than it was a few weeks ago—roughly 30% better—though I still run to the bathroom multiple times a day. With Clara, it tapered off around 17 weeks, and since I’ve recently passed that mark this time, I’m hopeful it will ease up in the next week or two, possibly as suddenly as it did last time.
We’re waiting a bit longer to find out the sex because the ultrasound office was closed for Thanksgiving, so we won’t know until early December. As soon as we do—and after we tell family and friends—we’ll share the news here and start planning the nursery. Just thinking about it makes me excited. I find myself watching dates on things—expiration labels, movie release dates—hoping they’re after our ultrasound date so my brain can celebrate. This baby has been a little stubborn during ultrasounds, though, making it hard for techs to capture clear measurements. I’ve been sent jumping, rolling, and even running down the hall to help the little one cooperate. We’ve always managed to get what’s needed in the end, so I’m optimistic the baby will cooperate and we’ll get that clear shot when the time comes.
That’s the latest from our little corner. Thank you for checking in, for sharing nausea remedies (I’ve tried nearly all of them), and for the kind messages and well wishes. It means a lot. Carrying this small life is still surreal and often emotional, but when doubt or fear shows up it helps to remember how many people are sending positive thoughts our way. I’m grateful for the support and excited for what’s ahead.