From My First Pregnancy to My Third: Rapid Changes in the Journey

My partner and I were fortunate to welcome three little ones into our lives over the span of three years. Yes, it was intentional! The first two were carefully planned, with lots of discussions, while the third was a delightful surprise that resulted from a particularly indulgent Valentine’s Day filled with chocolate and wine—let’s just say birth control wasn’t on our minds that night. With each pregnancy, the changes came at lightning speed, and I’m not just talking about my wardrobe (though let’s be real, my bladder took a hit too).

The Pregnancy Reveal

When we shared the news of my first pregnancy, we invited our friends and family into our cozy living room. I lit a candle, played soft harp music, and radiated joy. There were tears, hugs, and excitement as everyone eagerly anticipated our new arrival. The countdown began, and my phone buzzed constantly with inquiries about how I was feeling. I was showered with gifts, devoured baby books, and soaked up every piece of advice I could find.

For the second baby, we simply called close friends and family in between chasing after our newly walking toddler. Everyone was thrilled, and my sisters even threw me a lovely sprinkle party, which included a much-needed mani-pedi. I might have dozed off at some point, but it was a sweet time.

By the time we announced baby number three, the plan was more casual—we shared the news as we encountered friends and family. The reactions were sweet, but mostly filled with resigned smiles and comments like, “Oh, another one?” There was no advice, no showers, and definitely no gifts. We had everything we needed already!

Maternity Fashion Evolution

With my first pregnancy, I was so excited to don stylish maternity clothes. I had ample time to shop and even enlisted a few friends to help me pick out the perfect outfits. I envisioned myself looking fabulous like a celebrity with a baby bump.

By my second pregnancy, I still wanted to look good when I could manage it, but honestly, my energy levels were in the tank. Around five months in, I found that my old maternity clothes were snug, and I ended up ordering larger, more practical options online. Suddenly, velour tracksuits became my uniform. No handbags or heels—just me, comfy clothes, and a whole lot of cuddles.

When I discovered I was pregnant for the third time, I was still in my oversized maternity gear from the second pregnancy. Honestly, I didn’t care about style anymore; I was more focused on sneaking cake while trying to get both my toddlers to nap at the same time.

Belly Rubbing Experiences

The first time someone touched my belly during my first pregnancy, it felt magical—like a moment straight out of a movie. An elderly woman even told me it would be a boy who would do great things. I welcomed those belly rubs.

During my second pregnancy, I was a bit more selective about who could touch my bump. If my toddler was on my hip, I would use him as a shield. If he wasn’t with me, I’d pretend to be engrossed in my stroller, avoiding any belly stroking.

By the time of my third pregnancy, my “resting serious face” became my best friend. It worked wonders in keeping unwanted hands away from my belly. I can only imagine how I would have reacted if someone dared to touch my bump again—I might have said, “Hands off, buddy!” While each pregnancy brought its own set of challenges, the joy that came afterward was always worth it.

Food Cravings

During my first pregnancy, I had a healthy appetite that kicked in after the first trimester. I indulged, but I was careful not to go overboard. The weight I gained seemed to melt away after just a few weeks.

By my second pregnancy, I tried to maintain some control but often found myself munching on snacks while playing on the kitchen floor. My lunch of choice? Velveeta mac and cheese, washed down with chocolate milk in record time.

For my third, I threw caution to the wind and embraced every food craving I had. If I visited a burger joint without meat toppings, it was a disaster. I even polished off an entire batch of frosting by myself. I’m pretty sure I single-handedly broke the “12 years and younger only” rule at the grocery store when it came to free cookies!

Baby Kicks

Midway through my first pregnancy, I experienced my first gentle kick—it felt like a beautiful flutter. I craved more of those moments and cried when I felt the rhythmic hiccups.

With the second, the kicks came earlier and were much stronger. By the end, I could see tiny feet poking against my skin; it was both fascinating and painful.

When I was pregnant with my third, my bladder became a playground for the little one. I felt like I was in a wrestling match with my ribs! No matter the discomfort, the joy of welcoming each little one into the world was always the highlight. Sometimes, after dropping off all three kids at school, I slip into my velour jumpsuit and enjoy frosting straight from the bowl—because who needs a reason to indulge?

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In summary, each of my pregnancies has been a unique adventure, filled with laughter, challenges, and beautiful moments. The changes might be overwhelming at times, but they’re all part of the incredible journey of parenthood.