I guess it's true, I really am knocked up

Despite the tests and confirmations, there comes an "ah-ha" moment - a time when one actually believes they are pregnant. After nearly five months, I have finally attained this state of awareness. What was the pivotal moment? Well, there were a few, which I share below:

• A total stranger, rather than asking what diet I'm on, asked to touch my belly
• I managed to down TWO plates of spaghetti, while the rest of the family was still putting Parmesan on theirs
• Consequently, I gained TWO pounds overnight
• Despite excellent hygienic practises, the dark mark on my belly wouldn't be removed. This is of course, is the linea nigra, a dark line on the skin that runs down the abdomen starting from the belly button. The experts say this is caused by the increased amounts of hormones circulating around, which in turn, leads to an increase in the the production of the skin-pigmentation protein, melanin. Although this is very exciting, these hormones are also the ones giving me the latest term of endearment, "the crazy pregnant lady".

With that I leave you...

Things NOT to ask a pregnant woman

Although well intentioned, I had many questions about our imminent arrival. Some questions were heart-felt, others were mind-blowing. Here's my list of questions NOT to ask a pregnant woman, for those of you who would like to keep her a friend and stay alive.

Questions NOT to ask:

• Was this a planned pregnancy? (Are you kidding? After 10 years of being together, do you think this just miraculously happened?)
  
• What will happen to all your partying? (Umm, did I mention I am OVER 40? - partying for me is a pair of PJs, a movie and a glass of wine)
• Aren't you worried about lack of sleep? (Ha! Waiting up for teens to roll home and leading a stressful life, doesn't allow for much sleep. At least now I will have something to occupy my mind.)
• Are you worried about getting fat? (I will not be gaining weight because of too many twinkies...well maybe a pound or two)
• Aren't you going to miss working (yah, sure...)
  
• Aren't you going to miss the wine and cosmos? (well this MAY be a valid question)
• Have you lost your mind? (Ok, ok, this may be valid too)

My advice: If you can't be enthusiastic, maybe consider asking a generic question, like

1. How's the dog?
2. When do you think the weather will warm up?
3. Do you think the Canadiens will ever win a game?
   

Recap

It all began when "he" said yes. Not to marriage, but to trying to conceive a child. This may not seem to be so momentous, but considering we were both over 40 and have a house full of teenagers, it was a BIG DEAL. Some have said, it was a brain malfunction.

After a few false starts, and much pessimism from friends and family, biology won. The test was positive and I was happily on my way to becoming a new/old mom.

Although I have yet to experience any pregnancy-associated illness, the path has been less than easy:

• The fear of losing our little miracle has been overwhelming
• Associating each ache and pain as a signal of miscarriage has been a crazy-making pastime
• Dealing with the barrage of information supplied by the Internet may eventually qualify me as an MD
• New medical technology has offered too many options

He's a boy
The amnio, was the first grueling procedure I have endured. Despite the expertise of our obstetrician, it was uncomfortabe and the wait for results was too intense. The upside is that we now know our wee one is a boy and perfectly healthy. Once again, biology is working in our favour.

I believe our son will be an excellent soccer player. At 16 weeks, I already experienced his kicks. At 18 weeks, these keep me up at night. Unfortunately, his energy drains mine, and I am currently consigned to bed rest. I am hopeful this is temporary, as I do have those teens to feed, water and nag.

Until next time..