Pregnancy Questionnaire!

Your name? Hope

Fathers name? Marcelo

Were you trying to get pregnant? Yes! We finally decided to give it a try and viola!

When did you find out? Father's Day 2013 - June 15 or 16th

Were did you find out? At home in my bathroom after a pregnancy test

How far along were you? A little over a month

What was your reaction? Seriously the most incredible sense of joy and gratitude that I have ever felt to this day! 

How did you tell the father? I didn't have to, he had an intuitive knowing and came to the bathroom door before I had a chance to tell him and we gave each other the most beautiful, joyous embrace!

What was his reaction? Ecstatic - I love that memory, of us standing in the bathroom doorway overcome by emotion. I'll never forget it. 

Who was the first person you told? We told Marcelo's parents and sister several days later after dinner one evening. We gave his Mom a onsie wrapped up and had her open it....I think they all teared up. Another precious memory. 

When is your due date? Feb 18th 2014!

Did you have any morning sickness? I have been so lucky in this pregnancy! I have not thrown up once or been so sick that it's prevented me from going to work or doing things. I rested a lot in the first trimester and my taste pallet totally changed for a few months! 

Latest Food Craving: Wellll, lol, although I eat very healthily and cook/prepare tons of whole foods I do crave lots of sweets! Latest is chocolate pecan turtles of which I bought a box on Saturday and Marcelo has since hidden and has been rationing me 2 per day, hehe. I have also been loving Trader Joes Tofutti Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches. I do try to limit refined sugars though so I do a lot of cherry tomatoes, frozen blueberries and fresh whole dates. 

Worst Thing about being pregnant: I miss going in the hot tub after working out and the back pain although mine has been mild.

Best Thing about being pregnant: the excitement surrounding me! People all over get so excited about a preggo belly and it has been really fun. I also love having my little babe safe inside all to myself :-) 

Are you more scared or excited: Both! But mostly excited!

What are your fears? pressure to have unnecessary medical interventions during labor and birth, labor and birth, learning how to take care of a baby, being a good Mommy. I am working with a lot of positive affirmations right now which help a lot. I am building my trust in my body and the natural process of birth. I had the absolute best Mom in the world so I know many things will come natural to me. It is scary but I think fear is natural and do not resist it. 

What are you most happy about? Ha! This miracle of life, being able to concieve so easily, having the most amazing, loving, gentle, caring, mature, respectable, smart, compassionate partner in Marcelo. I cannot wait to know him as a Daddy and co-parent with him. Also his family is just wonderful and I am so glad we're close with them. I cannot wait to meet eyes with my little one, I want to cry from joy just thinking about it. I cannot wait to spend every day with Levi and grow with him and take care of him and love and cuddle on him all day!!! And just being a Mom, wow, so full of happiness! 

You pee an estimated __ times a day?: Hmmm, haven't counted but a lot! Probabaly every 1-2 hours. 

Do you want a boy or a girl? Boy...we're having a boy and I wanted a boy :-) 

Do you have a name picked out? We're leaning towards Levi right now.

How much weight have you gained? Probably about 10-15 lbs so far.

Do you plan on having a natural birth? Yes, as much as I can predict. I plan on being very mentally and physically prepared (have been working a lot already on this) and trusting my body, my baby and my deepest intuition to make decisions that feel right during labor. I am not closed to anything but would like to try to do it au natural. 

Are you scared about the labor? yes! Absolutely, pain is scary and it's hard to know what to expect. However I think it is OK to be scared and will work with the fear. Luckily I have great support and a deep sense of trust in nature and my body. 

Have you/are you planning on attending any Lamaze classes? Yes we are attending 2 different class series which are great and plan to meet with a Doula soon! I like that in the classes so far they really emphasize the role of the partner in the process. It's good to know I will have close support through out! 

Do you think you will cry when you see your baby for the first time? Ha! Without a doubt I cry just thinking about it. 

Will you breast feed: yes that is the plan

Words of wisdom: Lean into the process, trust in your body and baby, and ask for help/support when you need it :-)