Big News
Well my friends, I have some big news to share with you today. Regretfully, it's not that I have figured out a way to achieve world peace or halt man-made ecological disasters, but it's big news in my corner of the universe all the same. I am pregnant. Hang on while I type that again because admittedly, I'm still sitting here in a state of shock: I am pregnant.
For the past three and a half years, Jon and I have been open to expanding our family and it just wasn't happening. Despite the fact that Laurel was conceived pretty much instantly once we decided we were ready for kids. Despite the fact that I did a career 180 so I actually am really happy most of the time (compared to how miserable I was professionally when Laurel was conceived). Despite the fact that I live an uber green lifestyle. Despite the fact that I have made self care a priority in the last year and half and have been in great shape for a while now.
Internally, Jon and I definitely tend away from medical intervention; we don't even own aspirin (for real). So when I didn't get pregnant after a couple of years, I went the route of vitamins and (allegedly) fertile foods and witches brews and therapy (I figured something mental was blocking something physical). At various points, friends and family suggested that I consider various procedures. And while I'm completely fine with people opting for medical intervention when it comes to fertility, it just wasn't the way I wanted things to happen.
So we continued on with life. And as more and more time passed, Jon remained confident that I was fine and it would happen in its own time, while I became increasingly convinced that I was broken. In April, I was feeling pretty low about all of this and after writing a lengthy, extremely detailed post about the topic that I knew I never would publish, I "came out" about my infertility in one sentence.
The response -- both on and offline -- was overwhelming. I cried when I wrote that Sisters post and cried as my community rallied around me in so many ways with support. At the risk of sounding trite, writing that post and feeling the support following was cathartic. And as timing had it, after writing that post, for the first time ever I eagerly awaited my period, given that Eat. Blog. Run. was fast approaching and I didn't want to cancel out on my team (which would have been lame anyway, because I later learned that my teammate Carrie -- who ran about 25 miles of that race to cover her miles + those of an injured teammate -- was around three months pregnant at the time, unbeknownst to the rest of us!).
And miraculously -- following that cathartic post and the seeming liberation of hoping for my period for the first time in years -- I finally felt that I had made my peace on the matter (compared to just saying I had made my peace while secretly hoping that that would trick my body into getting pregnant). All signs seemed to point to the fact that I was done: After years of begging for a sibling, Laurel told me she was OK not having a baby brother or sister. I donated a boatload of my wee baby things to Room to Grow at our Hebrew National picnic drive. Client work and fun projects kept cropping up left and right with little effort on my part. I truly relaxed into the idea that we'd cruise through the rest of life as a three person family. I was totally cool with it. Finally.
And now here we are. I learned that I was pregnant a couple of weeks ago, amidst a flurry of family visits and events that meant that Jon and I didn't even have a chance to talk about the fact that I was pregnant until a couple of days later. It was craziness.
So, details. I'm about 8 weeks along and I'm due in March. Mostly I feel great, with the exception of a little fatigue in the late afternoon (just as I experienced with Laurel), and while I'm not experiencing morning sickness (just as I didn't experience with Laurel), my tummy definitely is a little more picky about what it finds appetizing this go round. When I was pregnant with Laurel I was extremely superstitious and we didn't share the news publicly until after I heard the heartbeat at 12 weeks. But this time is different. Admittedly, Jon, Laurel, and I are still in a state of shock (there has been no jumping up and down for joy, mostly sitting here scratching our heads with our mouths hanging open), but we know how lucky we are to be given this unexpected gift since we felt the absence acutely. And I found so much peace and strength in sharing my struggles back in April that I wanted to share now, even though it's early. Because however this pregnancy goes -- up, down, or sideways -- I have a feeling that I will need your support and love throughout.
Finally, some may be wondering whether a new baby will change things here at Boston Mamas. And the answer is: I'm not going anywhere. You probably will see a little more pregnancy/wee baby coverage, I may be a tad more sporadic in posting (or I hope I can rely on my contributors more than I have to date), and I most definitely will continue to be well behind on my e-mail, but otherwise, yes, I want to keep living this journey with all of you.
Thanks for reading. I heart you all.
Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Comments
Congratulations! I am so happy for you.
Posted by: Laurie | July 28, 2010 9:24 AM | Reply to this comment
CONGRATS!!!
This is amazing news and I can't wait to follow along in the months a head.
*big hugs*
Posted by: C.C. Chapman | July 28, 2010 9:24 AM | Reply to this comment
One word - YAY!!! So happy for you all. xoxo
Posted by: Amy - LIParentSource | July 28, 2010 9:25 AM | Reply to this comment
Be honest, you got pregnant so you can take a break from running, right? ;)
Seriously, I'm really happy for you guys...congratulations!
Posted by: Bill | July 28, 2010 9:25 AM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations! Obviously, it was meant to be...
Posted by: Naomi | July 28, 2010 9:25 AM | Reply to this comment
I am SO happy for you and your husband!!!! All good things happen in their own time. Enjoy your pregnancy!
Posted by: Amanda | July 28, 2010 9:27 AM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations! So excited for you.
Posted by: Erin Lane | July 28, 2010 9:28 AM | Reply to this comment
CHILLS all over my body.
Love you. I already love that baby, too.
Steph
Posted by: Adventures In Babywearing | July 28, 2010 9:28 AM | Reply to this comment
I have to laugh at the donating all the baby stuff.
My cheeks are hurting from my gigantic smile.
XOXOX to all of you. I'm so freaking excited.
Posted by: Motherhood Uncensored | July 28, 2010 9:33 AM | Reply to this comment
Life sneaks up on your when you least expect it. Congrats, sending cyberhugs and I teared up reading about your news. :-)
Enjoy, enjoy ...
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Johnson | July 28, 2010 9:34 AM | Reply to this comment
WOW! HURRAY!
Such awesome news, lady. Warmest congrats to you :)
Posted by: Her Bad Mother | July 28, 2010 9:35 AM | Reply to this comment
CONGRATS!! Wow you inspire in more ways than I can write in a comment box! Thanks for sharing and I for one look forward to your "wee baby coverage"!
Posted by: Julieann/CreateGirl | July 28, 2010 9:37 AM | Reply to this comment
congrats!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxoooo to the three of you!
Posted by: hetti k. wohlgemuth | July 28, 2010 9:38 AM | Reply to this comment
CONGRATULATIONS!! What wonderful news for you and your family!
Posted by: Rhoda Bernard | July 28, 2010 9:38 AM | Reply to this comment
I am sitting in the locker room at the gym with the biggest, goofy grin on my face. I am so, so excited for you and your whole family. Feel good and enjoy it!
Posted by: Sheri | July 28, 2010 9:39 AM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations! Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Posted by: Erin | July 28, 2010 9:39 AM | Reply to this comment
Such great news!! You know... it always sounds trite out of context but, when you hear a story like this, it's so clear to me that, though counterintuitive, things have room to happen when you let go. Can't wait to follow along on your ride, where ever it goes.
Posted by: One Hungry Mama | July 28, 2010 9:41 AM | Reply to this comment
Congrats March is a great time to have a baby, I had Baby C then!! So excited for you and the perfect timing :) Best wishes!!
Posted by: MommyB | July 28, 2010 9:42 AM | Reply to this comment
While I dont now you and have never visited your blog before, I know this story EXACTLY. My second child, Ella-who-is-about-to-turn-two, was the jaw dropper "how did this happen" child. I figure they are meant to be. (And I HATED that expression when we were trying so desperately to conceive #1 Son.
Congratulations, from one who gets it.
Posted by: Sharon | July 28, 2010 9:44 AM | Reply to this comment
What a ride, baby. What.a.ride. I am beyond happy for you, J and L, and I can't wait to get my hands on your next baby hybrid. I heart you.
Posted by: Paige | July 28, 2010 9:49 AM | Reply to this comment
Looking forward to your journey since I'm a few weeks behind you, still in shock, like you, but not quite ready to tell the world or even our 3 year old (so brave of you! Kudos!). Congratulations!
Posted by: Cathy B | July 28, 2010 9:49 AM | Reply to this comment
Best news, EVUH...congratulations!!!
Posted by: Liz@thisfullhouse | July 28, 2010 9:52 AM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations on your expanding family! I hope chocolate isn't one of the foods your tummy is rebelling against ;)
Posted by: Valerie | July 28, 2010 9:55 AM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations! What wonderful news.
Posted by: Asianmommy | July 28, 2010 9:59 AM | Reply to this comment
SOOO EXCITED FOR YOU! Congrats my dear! Hugs and kisses to you all!
Posted by: LizW | July 28, 2010 10:05 AM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations! Wow wow wow that is one big-little surprise :)
Posted by: katie | motherbumper | July 28, 2010 10:10 AM | Reply to this comment
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! I should have guessed, you were glowing so brightly last week. Isn't that just fate: as soon as you give away your baby clothes... Can't think of a family that deserves it more!
Posted by: Sarah | July 28, 2010 10:14 AM | Reply to this comment
I have to giggle because we'd just donated the last of our baby items three weeks before getting the shock of our lives with Oliver.
Congratulations, mama. Thrilled to bits for you and Jon and Laurel. xoxo
Posted by: Julie @ The Mom Slant | July 28, 2010 10:15 AM | Reply to this comment
Oh, magic day! Happiness to you and your gently growing brood!
Posted by: Amanda | July 28, 2010 10:15 AM | Reply to this comment
That is the most WONDERFUL news. Congratulations, mamacita. xo
Posted by: Y | July 28, 2010 10:17 AM | Reply to this comment
congrats that is a wonderful news!
Posted by: Courtney | July 28, 2010 10:18 AM | Reply to this comment
So happy for you!!! Congratulations!
Posted by: Jen | July 28, 2010 10:22 AM | Reply to this comment
Laurel-
Huge congratulations on the very happy news!
--Jinny
Posted by: Jinny | July 28, 2010 10:22 AM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations!
xo
Posted by: Lindsey | July 28, 2010 10:23 AM | Reply to this comment
Even though I knew, I am sobbing while typing this, just SO happy!
Posted by: Heather | July 28, 2010 10:35 AM | Reply to this comment
Yowza! Congrats to you and your family. How exciting :-)
Posted by: Michelle (What's Cooking) | July 28, 2010 10:37 AM | Reply to this comment
Congrats!!! That is so exciting for you & your family!!! Hooray!
Posted by: Phyllis | July 28, 2010 10:44 AM | Reply to this comment
Oh congratulations! Yay!
Posted by: Susan | July 28, 2010 11:01 AM | Reply to this comment
Oh joy! Oh joy!
Maternity/newborn photos on me!
Posted by: Anna Sawin | July 28, 2010 11:06 AM | Reply to this comment
So happy for your family! What great news.
Posted by: this is carrie | July 28, 2010 11:09 AM | Reply to this comment
Oh, honey. Congratulations. What adventures await you!
And although our journeys are not the same and I am not making any pregnancy announcements, I relate to much of the emotion you've written here. Thank you for putting this all up on my screen. I am sending all of you the happiest wishes!
Posted by: Jessica Ashley (Sassafrass) | July 28, 2010 11:09 AM | Reply to this comment
Congrats girl!! So happy for you :)
Posted by: MainlineMom | July 28, 2010 11:15 AM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations to you & your family!
Posted by: amanda at contest for moms | July 28, 2010 11:33 AM | Reply to this comment
Congrats! What wonderful news.
Posted by: jlfmama | July 28, 2010 11:42 AM | Reply to this comment
Congrats!! So happy for you and your family! Stay well and take care of yourself!
Posted by: Zmama | July 28, 2010 12:08 PM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations on this wonderful news. We're all here to support you over the next year and beyond!
Posted by: Karen Lilla | July 28, 2010 12:12 PM | Reply to this comment
Wow! Fantastic news. Best of luck. :-)
Posted by: Karianna | July 28, 2010 12:41 PM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations!
Posted by: NTE | July 28, 2010 1:33 PM | Reply to this comment
that? is awesome. guess there is some truth to the whole watched pot never boils thing...
Posted by: Kami | July 28, 2010 1:46 PM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations! What wonderful news!!
Posted by: Jodi | July 28, 2010 2:55 PM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations!
Posted by: Debra B | July 28, 2010 3:24 PM | Reply to this comment
Oh my goodness! Congratulations. Hope you are feeling okay...
Posted by: Lisa Stone | July 28, 2010 3:54 PM | Reply to this comment
Christine - amazing, wonderful, super-fantastic news! Congratulations a million times over!
Posted by: Danielle Smith | July 28, 2010 4:06 PM | Reply to this comment
Hearty congratulations
Posted by: niri | July 28, 2010 4:32 PM | Reply to this comment
SO happy for the three of you.
Posted by: Danielle | July 28, 2010 4:35 PM | Reply to this comment
Congrats!!!
Posted by: Bing | July 28, 2010 5:24 PM | Reply to this comment
March is an AWESOME time to be born!
oh all these blogging babies being born...this is so exciting. I am very happy for you and excited for the big sister to be. i remember how excited my 1st born was when she learned that she was going to be a big sister.
Posted by: Laura Scarborough | July 28, 2010 7:25 PM | Reply to this comment
Congrats! NOW, I wish I was going to BlogHer, if only to hug you in person!
Posted by: kim/hormone-colored days | July 28, 2010 7:25 PM | Reply to this comment
Yay! So wonderful, Christine. This is one lucky bambino (or bambina?)!
Posted by: Barbara | July 28, 2010 7:44 PM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations my friend! I am so happy for you. Princess Half 2012?
Posted by: Renee | July 28, 2010 8:42 PM | Reply to this comment
Wow! Congratulations!!!!
Posted by: adenacb | July 28, 2010 8:54 PM | Reply to this comment
CONGRATS!!!!!! The invasion will be one stronger ;)
Posted by: BusyDad | July 28, 2010 9:04 PM | Reply to this comment
Thrilled, thrilled, thrilled to hear this news! Congrats and much love to you, Jon and Laurel!
Posted by: Heather | July 28, 2010 9:09 PM | Reply to this comment
Congrats! Very happy for you and your family.
Posted by: Jillian | July 28, 2010 9:14 PM | Reply to this comment
I couldn't be more thrilled for you! Congrats congrats congrats! xo colleen
Posted by: ClassyMommy | July 28, 2010 9:27 PM | Reply to this comment
Tears of joy for you my dear friend. Congratulations!
Posted by: Jennifer James | July 28, 2010 9:30 PM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations! And congratulations again! The best kind of serendipity.
Posted by: Kate | July 28, 2010 10:18 PM | Reply to this comment
I love this news. So extremely happy for you! Can't wait to follow along on your pregnancy journey. :)
Posted by: Amy M. | July 28, 2010 11:15 PM | Reply to this comment
YEA!!!! So psyched for you guys!! Much, much love & many hugs - Rach xo
Posted by: Rach | July 29, 2010 12:49 AM | Reply to this comment
Congrats!
Three more words: natural progesterone cream.
Women over 35 need it--works wonders at
naturally supporting an early pregnancy (leading cause
of miscarriage is drop-off in progesterone early on in women over 35) until the
placenta takes over as well as regulating the
cycle while not pregnant.
Whole foods sells it.
Posted by: NM | July 29, 2010 6:09 AM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations! I am about a month behind you and I cannot wait to read pregnancy/wee baby blogs :)
Posted by: Kristine | July 29, 2010 7:40 AM | Reply to this comment
This is wonderful news - congratulations to you and your whole family! I know the pain of wanting another baby and waiting...and the joy of seeing that wish fulfilled. We'll be rooting for you throughout this pregnancy!
Posted by: Rebekah | July 29, 2010 8:22 AM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations, Christine! What an amazing story, I'm so happy for you!
Posted by: Real Life Sarah | July 29, 2010 8:38 AM | Reply to this comment
Congrats!!! Amazing news!
Posted by: Rachael | July 29, 2010 9:53 AM | Reply to this comment
I'm so happy for you and your family!! Congratulations!!! My two children are 5 years apart for the very same reason. The timing actually was perfect for our family :)
Posted by: Valerie C. | July 29, 2010 11:41 AM | Reply to this comment
What an inspiring and hopeful story. Thank you for sharing and congratulation and best wishes to you and your family!
Posted by: Renee F | July 29, 2010 11:53 AM | Reply to this comment
I just saw this!! I'm so thrilled for you sweet friend, SO THRILLED.
Posted by: To Think Is To Create | July 29, 2010 2:28 PM | Reply to this comment
I am woefully late. MANY congratulations, my love! That is excellent news. May I pat your little belly in New York?
Posted by: Mocha | July 29, 2010 7:10 PM | Reply to this comment
Omygosh. I am so excited for you. What an awesome story.
Posted by: musings of a housewife | July 29, 2010 7:31 PM | Reply to this comment
Christine: That's amazing! So happy for you and your family!!!
xo
Posted by: Karen | July 29, 2010 7:36 PM | Reply to this comment
CHRIS.TINE. I am so excited for you. Really, you can keep scratching your head but I'm gonna jump up and down, ok?
Hugs, prayers, squeals and all that stuff!
a
Posted by: oh amanda | July 29, 2010 7:41 PM | Reply to this comment
Oh, I felt this post so deeply. We had secondary infertility with my daughter and I had finally decided to let it go because I couldn't take the emotion of it all and that was the month we discovered we were pregnant with our Emily.
I am so happy for you guys! Praying for a healthy and happy pregnancy!! xoxo
Posted by: Amy | July 29, 2010 8:06 PM | Reply to this comment
Head to Toe Chills!
Big love to you sweetie and the whole family and the new little peanut!!!
Posted by: Rachel ~ Southern Fairytale | July 29, 2010 9:02 PM | Reply to this comment
What a blessing - congrats!
Posted by: Heather B. | July 30, 2010 5:24 AM | Reply to this comment
Hooray for another sweet little baby in the world!l So, so happy for you... xo Ann
Posted by: ann | July 30, 2010 10:24 AM | Reply to this comment
WOW! That's so exciting, I just saw this now! (I've had my head tucked under for the past week or so ;) Congratulations!!
Posted by: Justine | July 30, 2010 5:26 PM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations!! I'm due right around the same time (I'm 8 weeks today).
Yay for babies!
Posted by: VDog (Victoria) | July 30, 2010 9:14 PM | Reply to this comment
Congrats! Ha, I had no idea about Carrie! That Eat Blog Run team had some serious pre go magic :)
Posted by: Linsey krolik | July 31, 2010 6:35 AM | Reply to this comment
YAY!! Congrats to your family and to you. So happy for all of you. Enjoy your pregnancy :-)
Posted by: Sharon | August 1, 2010 10:42 AM | Reply to this comment
OMG CONGRATS!! Big hugs to your whole family!!
Posted by: Angela at mommy bytes | August 2, 2010 3:22 PM | Reply to this comment
How did I not see this until now?! Congrats Momma! Can't wait to follow your pregnancy journey! Hope you're having a blast in NYC this weekend!
Posted by: Sarahviz | August 6, 2010 9:10 AM | Reply to this comment
Congrats! Congrats! Congrats!
Posted by: Kim | August 11, 2010 8:57 AM | Reply to this comment
Congrats! so thrilled for you! I too am in the midst of a "surprise" pregnancy, thought I was done, gave all my baby stuff away! I'm 20 weeks and just found out it's a boy. Can't wait to see what your pregnancy will bring - what a special little one!!
Posted by: Jenny from Mommin' It Up | August 14, 2010 2:34 PM | Reply to this comment
I already knew about this (obvi) but I just read this post... it made me tearful!!! I wish you, Jon, Laurel, and edamame all the best!!!! XOXO
Posted by: Janelle | August 22, 2010 4:27 PM | Reply to this comment
Oh man! I can't believe I missed this! Congratulations and here's the {hug} I would have given you at BlogHer!
Posted by: Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy | August 24, 2010 1:23 AM | Reply to this comment
Rock on you. Love it! CONGRATS!
Posted by: Aimee Greeblemonkey | September 7, 2010 10:28 AM | Reply to this comment
Congratulations! I'm expecting my first this November so I'm looking forward to any pregnancy/baby posts you have planned! So exciting :)
Posted by: Meaghan | September 22, 2010 11:34 AM | Reply to this comment
I literally may be the last to know, but I am overjoyed for you!!! xoxo
Posted by: Ellen | September 27, 2010 3:39 PM | Reply to this comment