Last time I was pregnant, I was an active member of a discussion board for women who were expecting the same month that I was. I enjoyed it then. I had so many questions. I wanted to know if other people were going through the same things that I was.
This time, though (Oh, didn’t I tell you I’m pregnant? I’m pregnant.), I’m just not interested in being part of a discussion board anymore.
On the discussion board, everything felt so rushed. When women found out they were pregnant, they were getting ultrasounds right away (I had to wait ’til I was 20 weeks). Six weeks into their pregnancies, they were showing off their baby bumps. When we had our babies, they were feeding solids within a few months.
I’m just not into it this time.
I don’t want to hear all those other voices. I just want to hear my own. And my little baby’s.
I know, this time, that everybody experiences pregnancy a little differently. And I also know that there really isn’t much to do, beyond eating a healthy diet, getting a little exercise, and taking a prenatal vitamin.
This time I am choosing to slow down. I don’t know if I’ll get to do this again. I have to enjoy it. I don’t want to feel rushed. I want to let my body do what it needs to do (which, let’s face it, is what it’s going to do whether I like it or not).
I want to sit. And breathe. And contemplate. Wait, and ponder, and hope.
I think that is a perfectly wonderful plan. Just waiting and enjoying the process… good for you. :)
Thanks. It feels right.
Very deliberate. Perfect.
Deliberate, but also very go-with-the-flow.
I’m so with you! I tried to join an expecting club when i was pg with Jack, but I just couldn’t. First because I was so sick and miserable. Second, I just didn’t need it like I needed it the first time. I am, however, still involved in my June ‘05 expecting club…are you?
I was involved in my old board until Bub was about 18 months. It slowly became deserted by almost everybody. Guess we didn’t bond as much as your group. That’s nice that you still have that! :)
I was go, go, go, with magazines and books on pregnancy with Nikayda and I was so surprised that I wasn’t interested in any of them for Abram. It changes. I think all the new-ness and unknown is so different with the first and you’re just trying to grab onto all the info. you can.
It’s nice to sit back and breathe with the second one. :) I hope you’re feeling good.
~ Jennifer
You’re so right. It does change. And it is nice to sit back and breathe with the second. So far, I’m feeling really good!
Good for you! The first time, you need to learn what’s normal and how to handle it all. I’m sure that was great. But now you don’t need that pressure. Yes, enjoy it. ?
Yes, the pressure was too much even the first time around, although I felt I needed the information.
Those were beautiful words that you wrote about waiting for this baby. Beautiful!!!
Thanks, Mom!! <3
I totally get what you mean… reading those message boards has always driven me nuts because all it makes you do is doubt yourself. I think that it is wonderful that you are just taking it all in… I am so excited for you!!!
They really can make you doubt yourself. Thanks, Kristi!!
Congrats Joanna,
You will find that you will enjoy the confidence that you now have since you have gone through this once! Enjoy every minute of it! It goes so fast!
Thanks, Amy! It DOES go so fast. :(
Oh, I do not go near forums… instant cause of paranoia in my experience too. I’m loving just winging it on my own and have so much satisfaction from the confidence that I can do this by myself, and not get sucked into all this competitive parenting thing.
You’re so right about forums. Instant paranoia. I’ve had to learn that there are many “right” ways to parent. It’s all about what works for you!!