So if you follow me on social media, you’ve heard the news…. I’m having a baby!
I’m pregnant and due in early May, and Joe and I couldn’t be happier.
Seeing as I’ve got a few questions about it, I thought I would answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the pregnancy here.
Are you scared?
If I’m being honest, yes! Intermixed with feelings of incredible joy have also been feelings of fear and overwhelm. Having a baby in your early twenties as a newlywed can feel a bit daunting. But our feelings of gratitude and wonder trump every other emotion. We have an amazing support system and I have a superhero husband (and I already love my baby so much!!), so I know God will provide the strength we need.
How do you feel?
Thankfully, I’m starting to feel a bit better but I had a brutal first trimester — intense nausea that eventually had me vomiting every day, exhaustion, and rampant food aversions (during a church potluck shortly after we found out, I hid in the kitchen most of the time and did dishes so I could avoid the food, lol).
My doctor actually put me on a prescription for nausea and that decreased my vomiting to once a week, which was a win! While I still get waves of nausea, I haven’t been sick in over a week and have a lot more energy now. I’ll be 16 weeks in a few days, so I’m hoping that I continue to feel better.
Do you know the gender?
Not yet! We’ll find out right around Christmas, and we’ll definitely be sharing it. (But no crazy gender reveal parties…)
Any weird cravings?
Because I’ve had so many food aversions, I’ve mostly just eaten food that won’t make me sick, not food that I’m especially craving. But that’s gotten pretty random — processed mashed potatoes, Reese Peanut Butter Crunch cereal, Greek salad, lots of pickles, strawberry milk. It’s been weird, guys. Thankfully, my food aversions are lessening a lot and I can have more control over what I eat.
You’re only 22. Did you want to have a baby so soon?
I’ll maybe write more on this in the future, but tbh, it kinda scares me because it’s such a controversial topic. The short answer is yes. Joe and I believe strongly that children are a heritage from the Lord (Ps. 127:3) and a big family is a blessed family. We’re open to having as many children as God provides and in his timing.
I know that’s pretty countercultural (even among Christians), but it’s something we’ve been convinced by Scripture of, even if it totally terrifies us sometimes! We’re so excited to be young parents and know God will give us the strength and patience we need.
Do you have any names picked out?
Sort of! We have a girl's name and a tentative boy's name. Once we find out the gender, we’ll obviously narrow things down. But we won’t be sharing the name until the baby’s born.
Do you plan to homeschool?
Absolutely! Both Joe and I were homeschooled, and we couldn’t imagine another way for our kids. (Plus, if you know me, you know I’m a geek about homeschooling. I love talking educational philosophies, teaching methodology, and curriculum. I’ve been researching things for years, and have actually known for a year or so exactly what approach I’d like to take.)
Feel free to comment below with any other questions!