Back over the Fourth of July, as you may recall, we went to Chicago. And after we got back, I was met at our front door one morning by a crow. When I wrote about it, amandam commented that crows are a harbinger of change, signaling the death of one thing giving way to the birth of another. Kathy similarly noted that crows "give us the message that there is magic alive in our world and this magic is ours to use and create a new world for ourselves with."
Well! Well, well, well.
Exactly one week after the crow encounter (can you see where this is going? not so subtle, I realize), we found out I was pregnant. It wasn't, like, a "whoops, how'd that happen?" kind of surprise, but it was still a surprise in its own way, since given everything we'd been through with the (Non)Adoption From Hell (which ended, once and for all, in late February) we were a bit in the place of COME ON ALREADY even though this venture hadn't been going for that long, relatively speaking.
So naturally there was much rejoicing, which quickly gave way to much worrying, because God knows after falling in love with two babies halfway across the world and not getting to bring them home, you start to be a little gun-shy about anything related to babies whatsoever. (I should clarify that the worrying was pretty much all on my end; Joe was ecstatic from the get-go and not terribly concerned that DOOM WAS NIGH like I was.)
But on my birthday, we saw the little smudge for the first time and we witnessed the wee-tiny heart galloping away in there, and then a few weeks later we saw a little snowman-baby with little nubbly flapper-arms and a slightly bigger heart still galloping away in there, and THEN last week we saw an almost human-looking baby on a big screen with a phantom hand and a button nose -- and a heart galloping away at a solid 153 beats per minute (it was partying in there, too, jumping all around and sliding about like it was in a ball pit at Chuck E. Cheese). While I can't say I'm TOTALLY relaxed at this point, I am feeling much less FRAUGHT than I was up to now. Like this might actually happen. (KNOCK ON MUCH WOOD.)
I'm also feeling like kind of an idiot, because pregnancy for me has not been nearly the ride through Hades that I had always feared it would be (not that that was THE reason we pursued adoption first, of course, but it was there in my mind -- my whole life I have dreaded pregnancy like one might dread being attacked by rabid bats...sigh, all that wasted energy). Dude, I could have done this YEARS ago. We could be on kid number FIVE by now! Durr.
I have escaped most of the first trimester woes, having the occasional woozy moment or bit of nausea, but I've only thrown up once (ONCE!) and that was because I didn't eat immediately after taking my prenatal vitamin. I have had a lot of fatigue, to the point where sleeping while standing up on a crowded subway train seemed like a viable option and accomplishing any high-level cognitive functions between the hours of 3 and 5pm became a life-threateningly arduous task, along the lines of summiting Everest. And my body temperature is all weird -- I'm freezing one minute, gasping for air in sweaty panic the next. But other than that, things have been fine, really fine. Fun, even! It's like an adventure every morning to wake up and see what's going to happen yet. Plus, the milestones! There are appointments and weeks to cross off the calendar and things, like, progress as time passes. It's quite thrilling.
I have had some food cravings and aversions; for the first week or two after we found out, I was obsessed with cherries, even though I could probably count on one hand the number of times I've eaten them prior to getting pregnant, while, on the other hand, chicken has become absolutely abhorrent to me. Don't even mention it to me. Well, actually, if it's in nugget or patty form, it's acceptable; but the thought of preparing and eating a chicken breast -- or, oh god, coming into contact with chicken ON THE BONE --makes me want to throw myself off a bridge. Between that and the affinity for ginger ale and crackers and the overriding general preference for starchy, bland food, my palate has been reduced to that of a fussy two-year-old.
At work, I've been looking like Maude, what with the billowy cardigans and oversized handbags strategically placed to cover the belly that seemed to pop around week six and continued to grow ever since. I don't know if it's my build or what, but this thing seems to be an overachiever; it may soon have its own gravity field. I just read about some super-skinny soap star who didn't tell her coworkers until she was FIVE MONTHS along, and I was all, DUDE. I figured the office rumor mill was spinning the first week I knew I was pregnant. Who are these people? I know, we're all unique pregnancy snowflakes (TM Jonna), but it is duly noted that I am not one of those tiny women with a mosquito bite-sized bump that still fits into regular clothes for half the pregnancy. Ho! No. I'm in maternity pants, baby, and I am loving every minute of it. Do you know how COMFORTABLE this stuff is? Elastic waistbands and roomy hip/seat areas! I may never go back to regular clothing.
Anyway! So that's the news around here. I told you we save our excitement for September.
I'm 12 and a half weeks, due March 26. An Aries baby (assuming the due date holds any water, which I know it really doesn't -- the doctor said it could be three weeks before or two weeks after the due date, which seems...well, rather hazy, but still definite enough for my taste, all things considered) and a summer strolling in Central Park with a little guy or gal. For now, the bean is known as MVM -- Magnus von Magnuson, the World's Strongest Embryo (now the World's Strongest Fetus, actually). Given his or her superhero paternal parentage (have you seen my husband's arms?), and his/her tenacity thus far, we thought it appropriate.
Hot damn, we're excited. We're having a baby, y'all!
HOORAY!! Congrats!! How exciting... are you going to find out what MVM is in a couple more months? SOOO elated for you both, can't wait to read all the updates to come!
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawnZdMMfmqbVDdJDNPRxGJNN5QS_7oqpD6w | September 13, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Oh, YES, we will definitely be finding out what's in there. Our anatomy scan is set for Nov. 2, so we should be finding out then and I will be sharing that information, for sure. I am wayyyy too impatient to wait any longer than I have to for that particular bit of information.
Posted by: Lawyerish | September 13, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Aaaaaaahhhh! That is so, so, so amazing! So many congratulations to you and your husband. This is such a happy thing, a happy new chapter for you. And, among the many new activities and adventures that await, prepare to fire up that stroller for cruising the aisles at your new local Whole Foods, LOL!!! :) Seriously, Many Blessings to you and yours.
Posted by: amandam | September 13, 2009 at 08:51 PM
And the heavens parted.
Posted by: jonniker | September 13, 2009 at 08:52 PM
HOLY FRICKING MOLY!
Congratulations! I didn't see that one coming! Oh this is such wonderful news... here's hoping you sail through the rest of the pregnancy, but here's hoping even MORE that the newborn thing is a breeze. Congrats congrats congrats!
Posted by: Emily | September 13, 2009 at 08:53 PM
F'ING SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Oh, oh, oh I'm so GLAD for you!
Oh, oh, oh!
Posted by: daysgoby | September 13, 2009 at 08:58 PM
Congratulations! How exciting for the two of you.
Posted by: Emily | September 13, 2009 at 08:59 PM
Holy shnikes!!! That is fantastic.
Huge hugs and good thoughts from the Windy City. I like to think we had something to do with it.
Posted by: Dysfunction Junction | September 13, 2009 at 09:09 PM
Such wonderful, fabulous news! Congratulations!
Posted by: Mandee | September 13, 2009 at 09:13 PM
Yippee! Hooray! And all other wonderful exclamations. How exciting.
Posted by: Blythe | September 13, 2009 at 09:28 PM
congrats congrats!! lots of warm thoughts to you three (!!)
Posted by: leenie | September 13, 2009 at 09:32 PM
De-lurking to say HOORAY!
I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!
Posted by: Erin | September 13, 2009 at 09:33 PM
Well damn! And squee! And congratulations!
Posted by: Beth Fish | September 13, 2009 at 09:46 PM
YAY! So exciting. Congratulations!
Posted by: Tara | September 13, 2009 at 09:53 PM
CONGRATULATIONS! If I could think of an even better word to BOLD I would, maybe, HALLELUJAH!
Could not be more thrilled to hear a baby is on its way into your family. Looking forward to hearing the name, the nursery and maybe some pics of you in the awesome pants : )
Blessings on your wee-one.
Natasha
Posted by: Natasha | September 13, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Wow, WOW!!! I am so thrilled for you. Congratulations!
Posted by: Carolyn | September 13, 2009 at 09:59 PM
Congrats! That is sooo exciting!
Posted by: Lisa Guzik | September 13, 2009 at 10:02 PM
I am beyond thrilled for you and Joe. So happy your Sunshine Day finally came.
You two deserve much happiness after so much sadness you went through.
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Julie | September 13, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Yes!!!!
Congratulations to you and Joe.
Posted by: JudithinNYC | September 13, 2009 at 10:38 PM
oh my gosh!
what wonderful news! you deserve this joyfulness, you both do!
CONGRATS.
Posted by: beyond | September 13, 2009 at 10:42 PM
YES!!!!! Scott and I could not be happier for you!! I may have to dance a jig!
Posted by: Lisa | September 13, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Congrats! I'm so excited for you guys, such great news :)
Posted by: April | September 13, 2009 at 11:35 PM
OMG, you have no idea how happy I am for you! I've been reading your blog and just hoping, hoping, hoping for a baby to come your way somehow! This is amazing news!! :-)
Posted by: Beth | September 14, 2009 at 12:13 AM
Congratulations! That is SO exciting!
Posted by: Mimi | September 14, 2009 at 12:28 AM
I am so, so happy for you all. Mazel tov!
Posted by: Dave | September 14, 2009 at 12:29 AM
de-lurking to say congratulations!! I have read your blog for awhile now and couldn't possilby be happier for you and your husband.
Posted by: cindee | September 14, 2009 at 12:42 AM
OH MY! OH MY! OH MY!!!!! I am OVER the MOON with happiness for you and Joe! How flippin' awesome!! Yea YOU!!!!
Posted by: Leigh | September 14, 2009 at 01:12 AM
I am SO happy for the two of you...or really the three of you, since this little one will be lucky to have the two of you for parents! AND, if you decide to have this baby 6 days early, (and I promise, by then, you won't mind...) it will be born on my birthday! I would again have something to celebrate! (Since I quit celebrating when I hit 50!)
Posted by: Roz | September 14, 2009 at 01:26 AM
SUCH GREAT NEWS! Congratulations a million times over.
Posted by: Sundry | September 14, 2009 at 01:47 AM
Could not be HAPPIER for you!!! SO overjoyed at your fabulous news! I've been thinking, hoping, praying that a baby would be in your near future in one way or another. Can't wait to hear all about this new and incredible journey!
Posted by: Jen K | September 14, 2009 at 08:28 AM
An audible OH WOW! when I read this incredible news!! How wonderful - and the fact that so far it is an *easy* pregnancy, all the better. Enjoy the good parts, labor through the rough parts and know that some strangers are applauding that things seem to be working out for you and Joe!
Posted by: Mar | September 14, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Congratulations on the baby! I'm glad you are feeling so well.
Posted by: -R- | September 14, 2009 at 09:40 AM
Yaaaaay! Congratulations!
Posted by: Jennifer | September 14, 2009 at 09:43 AM
Oh my goodness! I am so excited for you!Glad your journey to becoming a parent is nearing the finish line (or even that the finish line is in sight!) Sorry for all of the exclamation but I can't contain myself. Sending big hugs your way.
Posted by: Lisa C | September 14, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Well, well, well indeed! What great news! Congratulations to you both!
Posted by: vague | September 14, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Congratulations!!!
Posted by: 3carnations | September 14, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Oh! Oh! Oh! I'm tearing up! I'm beyond thrilled for you! Lucky you! Lucky Joe! Lucky, lucky baby!
Posted by: kathy | September 14, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Whoooooooooooooooo!
And that's all I have to say about that :)
Dianna
Posted by: Dianna | September 14, 2009 at 11:17 AM
OH MY GOSH!!! Congratulations! What wonderful, blessed news! I'm so happy for you. :)
Posted by: Christina | September 14, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Oh wonderful, wonderful news. I am so thrilled for you!
So glad the pregnancy thus far has been smooth sailing -- you're halfway there! Squee!
Posted by: Nancy | September 14, 2009 at 11:22 AM
So....THIS is the plan! WOWWY WOW WOW!!! Super excited for you guys!!! Now, you'd better start updating this blog more....I miss your witty writing!
Heather M.
Posted by: Heather M. | September 14, 2009 at 11:31 AM
OMG!!! I'm BEYOND excited for you guys!!! How could you keep that secret that long?!?! haha I would have exploded. :) March babies are wonderful! :) I can't wait to follow your pregnancy thru your blog.
Posted by: glenna | September 14, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Congratulations. May the next 28 weeks or so go just as well. We need pictures of course. I thought your posts were a little more sporatic than usual:)
I see you are reading America Wife. I started with that one and then read the others and I agree with your assessment.
Posted by: Kimszym | September 14, 2009 at 12:15 PM
I am quite upset that someone has knocked up my baby sister. Joe has some serious explaining to do when I see him next week.
Posted by: Craig | September 14, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Congratulations Mer! You SO deserve this joy!
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 14, 2009 at 12:28 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Posted by: LauraT | September 14, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Oh, CONGRATS!!! I am so happy for you :D :D :D :D
Posted by: velocibadgergirl | September 14, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Congratulations! (here via Jonniker's twitter link) yay!
Posted by: JChevais | September 14, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Hot damn. AWESOME. God love crows.
Posted by: Mon | September 14, 2009 at 12:39 PM
I'm ecstatic for you! This couldn't have happened to a more deserving couple, at a more perfect time. Congrats on this amazing news! I can't wait to hear more about your pregnancy along the way and, eventually, stories about that beautiful baby (hello, BUTTON NOSE!) that has already changed your life.
Posted by: AmyB | September 14, 2009 at 12:40 PM
OH my goodness, YAY! I have been a long time reader and occasional commenter, but I am just SO HAPPY for you guys! You are going to be incredible parents - what a lucky little smudge :)
Posted by: Jen | September 14, 2009 at 12:52 PM
I admit it. I audibly gasped and even w00ted when I read this.
Congratulations to you and Joe. Fantastic news for a fantastic couple.
Posted by: Kari | September 14, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Congratulations!
Posted by: Kerri Anne | September 14, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Congratulations!!
Posted by: H | September 14, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Oh! So exciting! I'm thrilled for you both, and am very glad that you are enjoying pregnancy so far!
Posted by: nonsoccermom | September 14, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Whoop! Congratulation to you all!
Posted by: rhea | September 14, 2009 at 01:32 PM
oh my gosh. biggest congrats ever! i know you guys will be the greatest parents and you so deserve an easy pregnancy (and birth and baby and everything!)
p.s. so glad you are finding out the sex of the baby. i can't wait either!
Posted by: dryden | September 14, 2009 at 01:40 PM
Oh, Congratulations! I hope the rest of your pregnancy is as good as this first part. You deserve it! What terrific news!
Posted by: Kristin H | September 14, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Huge congratulations! This is so exciting for you guys!
Posted by: mj | September 14, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Congratulations!
Posted by: PomJob | September 14, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Delurking to say CONGRATS! I read through your archives a few months ago and you guys deserve all the happiness in the world after everything you've been through (and I'm sure I only know bits and pieces). Also, I'm extremely jealous about the lack of morning sickness - I'm 35 weeks and STILL BARFING (yes, you read that right). I'm looking forward to reading all about your pregnancy!
Posted by: Laura | September 14, 2009 at 01:55 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is so incredibly awesome! It's so great to hear some fantastic news like that after all the awful you went through over the last year plus. It's great to hear that you are enjoying pregnancy too.
Posted by: Askew Adventures | September 14, 2009 at 02:11 PM
Hot diggity damn! Congrats, Mama!
Posted by: bringinghomebe.wordpress.com | September 14, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Awesome news! Congratulations! What a blessing.
p.s. Sounds like a girl to me.
Posted by: Kate | September 14, 2009 at 02:39 PM
Congratulations!
Posted by: Gaby | September 14, 2009 at 02:54 PM
Holy cow!!!! Congrats from Chicaga!!!!
Posted by: Ang | September 14, 2009 at 02:58 PM
Huzzah! Congratulations!
Posted by: Karen | September 14, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Crying all over the keyboard. Congratulations!
Posted by: Lauren | September 14, 2009 at 05:47 PM
I am OVERWHELMED with joy for you two! YAYYYY. Many, many congratulations. xoxo
Posted by: metalia | September 14, 2009 at 06:48 PM
That is so great! Congratulations!
Posted by: Joanna | September 14, 2009 at 07:56 PM
Total lurker here. Yay for you I am so excited. Glad pregnancy is treating you well with all you have endured. Just yayyyyyy
Posted by: Lippy | September 14, 2009 at 11:25 PM
I'm so so thrilled for you! you and joe would be awesome parents. congrats you two
Posted by: Sushma | September 15, 2009 at 07:59 AM
OH MY DEAR HOLY CRAP!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Posted by: Swistle | September 15, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Aiee! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you guys! So freaking happy.
Posted by: Christine | September 15, 2009 at 09:13 AM
This is such wonderful news. Delurking to add my congratulations!
Posted by: Gretchen | September 15, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Yeah, totally didn't see that one coming either but who cares?! It's a baby! Babies are awesome!!
Congratulations!
Posted by: Heather B. | September 15, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Why does your darn blog always make me cry?
w00t!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Alyce | September 15, 2009 at 07:16 PM
Whee!!!!!!!! This is the best news ever! I'm super-excited for you. Are you going to find out the gender? Please tell me you are! With the hell you've been through, I hereby vow to knit you whatever your pretty little heart desires. Seriously!
Posted by: Lara | September 15, 2009 at 09:36 PM
HOORAYTOWN!!!!!! So happy for you!!!
Posted by: willikat | September 15, 2009 at 11:32 PM
Hooray! Such wonderful news! :)
Posted by: Gwen | September 16, 2009 at 08:54 AM
YAY YAY YAY! So excited for you! (And you present a compelling argument in favor of pregnancy. I had not considered the "comfort of elastic-waisted pants" angle. Very persuasive.)
Posted by: pseudostoops | September 16, 2009 at 11:57 AM
WOW! I totally didn't see that coming and I am so happy for you! 2010 is the BEST year for babies!
Posted by: Lacey | September 17, 2009 at 02:22 PM
oh WOW! i'm so happy for you! congrats and CONGRATS!
Posted by: amyjami | September 19, 2009 at 12:37 AM
SQUEEEEEEEEE! omg, I am so incredibly excited for you guys!!! Yay! Yay! (gah, I sound like an idiot) I am so happy for you. hugs!
Posted by: Danielle-Lee | October 09, 2009 at 12:38 AM
Just now reading this. Incredibly happy for you.
Posted by: Carolyn | November 06, 2009 at 10:05 PM