Our Family is Growing: Baby Number Two!

This is the first time I’ve opened up my laptop in a few months. I won’t get into too much detail in this blog post about how my pregnancy has been going—I’ll save that for when I have more time next week. I just have to say… wow, this one has really kicked my butt. I prayed my HG (hyperemesis gravidarum) would only be a one-time thing with my first pregnancy, but boy was I wrong. It came back with a vengeance around week five. Luckily, now that I’m in my 18th week, the HG has slowed down a bit, and I’m able to function at about 80%. It’s really only the nights now where I feel the most exhausted and nauseous.

We had some really scary moments earlier in this pregnancy, so I’m incredibly thankful to God to be here, writing this blog, and sharing the news that we have a baby coming in February!

Just like with my last pregnancy, I’ll be sharing a recap of how the past few months have been for me. Right now, I still can’t bring myself to talk about too much of it because food photos and certain moments of this pregnancy feel really triggering. I still get nauseated just thinking about some things. No one was even allowed to turn the toaster on in my house for three months or I would have been running for the bucket. I couldn’t watch most T.V. shows because the sight of someone eating would send me running. I know that once my hormones settle back down to normal in a few weeks, I’ll be ready to go through photos of cravings, experiences, and more. I loved writing my pregnancy recap last time, so I promise that one will be coming—hopefully as soon as next week!

We are so excited about becoming a family of four and giving our son a sibling. This time, we decided to find out the gender so we could prepare a little better—and I’ll be sharing that news this weekend! Stay tuned. 🙂

Now that it’s football season, the weather is cooling down, and I can actually enjoy sitting outside, I’m already in such a better mindset. I cannot wait for the “BER” months now that I’m starting to feel more like myself again. I went into a dark place for a while when I was so sick, throwing up 6-8 times a day, and not even being able to keep water down. I’ve realized I can’t take my health for granted ever again. I’m ready to enjoy big bowls of chili, Eagles football games, trips to the farms for pumpkin donuts, fall trips up north, all the holiday events, and—most importantly—actually be mentally present for it all. I’ve really missed being myself. I wouldn’t wish HG on anyone. Luckily, mine is ending, but to think some people go through this their entire pregnancy makes my heart break.

This summer, I spent about 80 percent of my time in bed, canceling trips, ignoring texts, going to the hospital for IVs, and just feeling stuck in a really dark place. I’m sitting here with happy tears now, finally able to share the excitement instead of only the struggle. I’ll admit—I used to get so frustrated seeing other pregnant women looking happy and glowing while I was absolutely miserable. I felt guilty about that for a while, but my friends and family reassured me that it was okay to feel that way. Their support meant so much, especially during the time when I couldn’t give them anything in return.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that when you’re in a dark place, leaning on friends and supportive family is one of the best things you can do. I know not everyone has that, but I’m so thankful for my mom. She spent almost every day with me, helping in any way she could, and never once complained. She truly is my superhero. And my husband deserves so much credit too—not only did he work full-time, but he also picked up all the responsibilities around the house on the days I couldn’t get out of bed. I feel so lucky to have that kind of support system, even if it sometimes came with the heaviness of guilt.

There has also been so many positives too. My son talks about being a big brother every single day. He always runs up to kiss my belly and ask the baby questions. He’s even picked out some of his toys and stuffed animals that he wants to give the baby. I love how excited he is—he asks every day if it’s time for the baby to get here.

I just know he’s going to be the best big brother. He’s already so caring and helpful, and I adore how kind his little heart is. Whenever I was sick, he would run up to kiss my forehead, lay beside me, hold my hand, and tell me it was going to be okay. What kind of three-year-old does that? How did I get so lucky to be his mom?

I cannot wait to watch him step into this new role and share his life with a sibling. We were on the fence for a while about having another baby, but seeing how he’s been has shown me that every second of this journey will be worth it. I know God truly wanted this for our family, and I am so deeply grateful.

If there’s anything you want me to share or any questions you have, make sure to leave them in the comments so I can cover them in my pregnancy recap blog this weekend. I’m so ready to get back into my normal routine—baking sourdough (can you believe I haven’t baked a thing in four months? My poor oven hasn’t even been touched!), writing recap blogs—especially now that it’s fall—and just feeling connected again.

Not feeling like yourself is such a struggle for me, and I’m ready to step back into the things I love. I’m so excited to share this journey with you all—the good, the bad, and the ugly. And if you’re going through anything similar, whether it’s pregnancy struggles or something else entirely, please know I’m praying for you.

Love you all and I cannot wait to share more soon!