My partner and I were fortunate enough to welcome three children into our lives in just three years. Yes, it was intentional. The first two were meticulously planned, taking into account various factors, while the third was a spontaneous decision made after a night of indulgence with chocolate and wine on a snowy Valentine’s Eve. Each pregnancy brought noticeable changes, and I’m not just referring to the quick wardrobe changes due to my newly weakened bladder—though that certainly became a reality!
The Pregnancy Announcement
For our first pregnancy, we orchestrated an intimate gathering in a softly lit room where I held a flickering candle. The ambiance was set with harp music in the background, and I felt radiant. Tears of joy flowed, and warm hugs filled the space as everyone eagerly anticipated the arrival of our little one. Friends and family counted down the days, showering me with gifts while I devoured baby books and absorbed all the advice they had to offer.
When it came to the announcement of our second child, we called a few close relatives and friends amidst the chaos of our adventurous toddler learning to walk. Everyone was thrilled, and my mother and sisters organized a lovely sprinkle for me, complete with a pampering mani-pedi that, from what I can remember, was delightful—though I may have dozed off during it!
By the time I was pregnant with my third, we opted for a more casual approach, sharing the news with family and friends as we crossed paths. The reactions were mostly warm smiles, often followed by, “Oh, again?” Gone were the days of unsolicited advice, and no showers were held—we already had everything we needed.
The Maternity Wardrobe
During my first pregnancy, I couldn’t wait to flaunt my stylish maternity clothes. I took my time shopping and consulted friends for fashion tips, aiming for a look reminiscent of Sarah Jessica Parker, complete with chic accessories like heels and stylish handbags.
By the time I was pregnant with my second, my ambition for style was overshadowed by exhaustion. I found myself ordering larger, more practical maternity wear online, embracing the comfort of velour tracksuits—those became my uniform.
When I discovered I was expecting my third child, I was still wearing the same (now oversized) maternity clothes from my second pregnancy. The elastic had given way, and frankly, I had no interest in fashion. My priorities had shifted to devouring cake over the sink and ensuring both my 2-year-old and 8-month-old napped simultaneously.
The Belly Touch
The first time someone rubbed my belly during my first pregnancy, it felt like magic. An old sage even predicted I was having a boy with a bright future ahead of him, and I soaked up every moment of the belly rubs.
By my second pregnancy, I still tolerated the occasional belly touch, but mostly I was not having it. I often used my toddler as a shield or pretended to fuss over my stroller to dodge those unwanted hands.
With my third baby, my “resting face” came in handy. I practiced it in the mirror, and it worked wonders—no one dared to approach my growing belly. Honestly, I can’t say for sure that I wouldn’t have reacted aggressively if someone had reached out to touch it.
Eating Habits
During my first pregnancy, my appetite kicked in after the first trimester, and while I indulged a bit more, I was careful not to go overboard. I managed to shed the weight fairly quickly after giving birth.
By my second pregnancy, I found myself snacking on chips while playing cars on the kitchen floor. Velveeta mac and cheese became my go-to lunch, and I could down a container of chocolate milk in mere seconds.
By the time my third pregnancy rolled around, I threw caution to the wind. I indulged in every food craving imaginable. If a burger joint didn’t offer meat toppings, it was an emotional disaster! I even found myself devouring a full batch of frosting in one sitting.
Baby Kicks
Halfway through my first pregnancy, I experienced those gentle flutters for the first time. They were soothing and joyous, and the first strong hiccups brought me to tears.
In my second pregnancy, the kicks came earlier and were much more forceful. I often felt little feet pressing against my ribs during dinner, a fascinating yet painful reminder of my growing child.
By my third pregnancy, my bladder had become a trampoline, and it felt like my ribs were a playground. While each pregnancy brought its unique challenges, the joy I felt after each one was unwavering. The squishy love fest with my babies made all the kicks and unwanted belly touches worth it.
Now, after dropping all three kids off at school, I often slip into my comfy velour jumpsuit and indulge in some frosting—no pregnancy required! If you’re looking for more insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this blog post on intracervical insemination. For those considering at-home options, I recommend visiting Make a Mom’s website for helpful resources. And don’t forget to check out March of Dimes for reliable information on pregnancy!
Summary
This journey through my pregnancies showcases how much can change in a few short years, from the excitement of announcements to the evolution of maternity fashion. Each pregnancy brought its unique set of challenges and joys, reminding me of the beauty in growing our family.