Sunday, February 17, 2019
I’m What?
I would have never imagined I would be in this situation. Sitting on my sofa, preparing a business plan and smothering cocoa butter on my breasts to calm the itching. Preparing a business plan on a Sunday afternoon is a norm in my life. Business is what I am comfortable with. Creating ideas and building strategies comes natural to me. But dealing with constant growing boobs as a result of a pregnancy is freaking me out.
Yes, I am pregnant. I am almost 4 months pregnant or in expecting mommies’ language, I am 14 weeks. And to add just a little more stress to the situation, I am 43 and I am considered a high-risk pregnancy. Diabetes and high blood pressure do effect people in my family so I have to be more conscious of my food intake, stress management and environmental factors. We are both are overall in good health. No chronic diseases, major surgeries or addictions to drugs or major substances. In any other pregnancy situations, I would be in an ideal situation but since I am in my early 40’s, I am immediately branded a risk. I was always labeled some kind risk my entire life.
I am a Latina raised and living in Phoenix, Arizona, ground zero of the immigration debate (aka Mexican intolerance). I’ve dealt with micro aggressions, racism and sexism. I come from a long line of bad ass women in my family and some brave men that supported their women and are leaders in their families and communities. I could always lean on their wisdoms and examples of how to find my own voice and not let others define who I am in this world. So, you would think I would scoff at any challenge that faced me yet here I am questioning if I can make a healthy child in this “old” baby making factory, Am I ready for this?
#parisbaby
My boyfriend and I met three years ago and we knew after a few months together that this relationship was something serious and life changing. We’ve traveled to numerous cities together, build a business and created a network of amazing friends and family members. Most of all, we genuinely love and enjoy each other. We would joke around about having a baby and what that would be like. We started to take the idea to heart and took steps to prepare ourselves if the possibility of becoming parents turned into a reality. I have to admit, we didn’t follow the scientific suggestions surrounding ovulation and all that other fancy stuff. We just went with it.
It wasn’t until we took a trip to Europe during Thanksgiving after completing a super busy project for our business that we completely relaxed. I ate and drank my way thru Paris, Amsterdam and Mainz. Obviously, we had a blast. Once we arrived back to the states, I had the hardest time recovering from the jet lag. Sleeping all day is what I desired more than anything in the world. Keep in mind, I usually have energy for days. Sleeping all day was an idea I would never satisfy. Then my breasts started to feel like 100 lb. boulders.
I figured I was dealing with some super-duper premenstrual syndrome symptoms that would pass once my period arrived. My period ran like clockwork down to the exact day. I always knew when that train would arrive…except it didn’t show up. After taking two home testing kits and visiting the doctor’s office, it was confirmed that we are going to be parents.
It Will Be OK
Pure joy, excitement then a rush of concern and fear were just some of the emotions that rushed over me once the nurse confirmed the pregnancy. I always knew I could be a good parent but I was waiting to find the right man to have a family with. I think that knowing this child is wanted by both parents and the parents are willing to do whatever it takes to create a loving, safe and supportive environment to raise a child gives me the strength to push my fears of “Will everything be ok” aside.
I’d like to invite all the mommies, future mommies and daddies to join the conversation and share your experiences. I openly ask for any advice, words of wisdom, suggestions and warnings about the pregnancy journey. What should I look for? What should I NOT worry about? And I appreciate honest, curse word infused dialog. If something is shitty, believe me I will share that shitty experience.
Bienvenidos and welcome to Drea’s Baby Blog!
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