Surprise!

So,... there have been some surprises as I continue to make my way through this pregnancy (which I know is no surprise to many of you)!  Warning to Readers: if you are expecting a BIG surprise like an announcement of twins or something, I suggest you stop reading here - because you will be disappointed friends!?!?!

Stamina & Endurance:  Let me set the scene for you.  On our day off last week - where we were surprisingly experiencing some sunshine - Josh and I took someone's advice to check out a scenic view of lovely Cape Breton, and decided to go for a short, little hike up Ben Eion (a mere 2.5km loop).  Now, in fairness, it is pretty much straight up for the first 1.25km, but still...  I am not lying to you when I tell you that it was one of the poorest showings I have EVER had when it comes to physical activity.  Barely 300 feet up and I felt my lungs burning, every breath felt like searing pain, and I was sure my heart was going to pound its way out right through my rib cage.

So, even though I realized it was probably time for a short break, I was embarrassed to admit to Josh that I needed to stop.  A far cry from our pre-dating runs together!  I kept saying to Josh, "I think something is wrong with me," and he'd respond, "nothing is *wrong* with you Joyce, you're pregnant!!!"  Well, I am happy to report we did survive the walk, and thanks to an Orange Julius gift card from a friend, we also celebrated my 'success' with a mango madness smoothie:).

I also felt somewhat relieved when reading my info pack from the Health Unit later that day which informed me at this point in my pregnancy, my heart is pumping approximately 20% more blood than usual.  THERE IT IS!  The explanation, aka excuse, I was looking for.

Heartburn: not so much a surprise, but for some odd reason I had decided I wasn't going to have heartburn (for no good or logical reason I might add).  I guess because everyone told me once the 'morning sickness' - I use that term loosely - ends, then comes the heartburn.  I sort of assumed since the sickness has yet to end, the heartburn wouldn't happen.  Wrong assumption.  A strange sensation for a person who formerly had a stomach of steel that could handle just about anything!

Attention: There is no other way to say it.  I am not a person who typically enjoys attention.  I enjoy interaction with people, but too much attention on me makes me self-conscious and uncomfortable.  And yet, there is something special about knowing how much this baby is already loved so much by the people around me; the way my church family is so concerned about how I am feeling; and, how everyone is checking in to make sure that I am taking care of "their little Cape Bretoner"!  It is quite endearing:).  Don't get me wrong, I still don't need the attention, but there can be no doubt that this child is already very loved, and that is a-ok by this gal!


Mushy moment:  Thanks to all who have checked in recently - sickness aside, all is well.  And I'm looking forward to many, many more surprises in the future!

The New Journey of Pregnancy

This "Joyce's Journey" blog began two summers ago when I spent my summer assignment in Gander, NL.  The beginning of my journey as an officer, a married woman and a Cape Bretoner went relatively unrecorded as I seemed too occupied actually figuring out what all of that meant...

But I realize as I enter into this newest journey of momma-to-be, as a pregnant lady, that I may regret not taking note of some of the surprises and excitement that come along with being a human incubator.  So - here I am - 15 weeks in, ready to share with you some of the "joys" of carrying a growing baby in my womb!

Milk.  Nope, a bit premature to be speaking of breast milk at this stage of the game (and potentially awkward), but relax friends, I am talking about cow's milk!  A number of years ago I gave up cow's milk and all related products entirely, and for a number of years since, heavily minimized my dairy intake.  I tell people I've experienced no cravings, but the truth is, I'm a changed woman when it comes to milk. All of a sudden, I can't get enough of the stuff!  I want cereal, I drink ice, cold glasses of it - well, I should clarify, I haven't turned around THAT much, I stick with the chocolate variety.  I crave cheese & crackers - nothing fancy here, straight up saltines (minus the salt) and cheddar.  It has been an interesting turn of events for someone who until recently couldn't stomach the thought of it.

Ice cold.  I cannot describe to you the new emphasis I place on ICE.  I go through trays of it a day.  Pretty much every drink I get requires a refilling of the ice cube tray, and a cloth to wipe up the water spilled while carrying the tray to the freezer (noper, the clumsiness is not something that I have lost sadly).  The icey cold drink seems to be the only thing that satisfies my thirst, except for the times it makes me sick.  But that doesn't stop me friends, because the truth is, *everything* makes me sick.

Puke.  Yep, I said it.  I used the faux pas, unattractive, perhaps even slightly vulgar sounding word.  But when you've thrown up as much as I have in the last 90 days, I figure I've earned the right to say it.  This is not to scare those of you potential parents, because apparently a large number of expectant women do not experience this particular symptom.  I, however, am NOT one of those women!  I am grateful to know that this doesn't mean something is wrong with me (thanks Mum & sis for putting my mind at ease that this is 'normal' for us)...  But let me tell you, life got a *whole* lot easier when the word of my pregnancy was out and I didn't have to try and explain my countless washroom trips.

Weight Gain.  Something I have yet to explain away due to pregnancy, though many have "graciously" told me that they knew I was pregnant because of my weight gain.  I can assure you friends, that - to date - not a single pound has been added to the scale because of my pregnancy.  Weight redistribution - absolutely.  Did my body know that I would not be able to keep food down for two months after learning of my pregnancy?  Absolutely.  So I am grateful for those cushion pounds that were gained in ADVANCE of my pregnancy (*extra* big thanks to the Allure of the Seas cruise & Northern Ireland for that particular privilege)!!!

Rollercoaster.  Of the emotional variety.  Yep, I am textbook hormonal.  I officially cry at the  most ridiculous and mundane things.  The other day, I accidentally whacked Josh smack across the face with my elbow.  I often respond to these situations with awkward laughter when I feel really badly or see someone get hurt.  What made this extra interesting was when my laughter turned to hysterical crying because I was so sorry I had hurt him.  I knew my reaction was perhaps excessive by the expression on Josh's face - the poor guy was pretty confident he shouldn't make fun of me in that moment, but wasn't entirely sure how to react to my complete switch from laughter to full-out, inconsolable weeping.  Good times.

But all things considered, it is good times.  Life will soon forever be changed people keep telling me, but my life has rarely had any 'sameness' to it anyway...  And, like with most change, I recognize there is only so much I can do to prepare for it.  So in the meantime, I am eagerly expectant - looking forward to this continuation of the journey of my life, and the beginning of the miracle of new life!!!