Every time someone notices my baby bump, I get the same question: “When is your due date?” They follow it up with, “You must be so excited!” Well, truth be told, I’m not. Here I am, seven months into my third pregnancy, and while I appreciate the miracle of growing another child, I’m not exactly bursting with joy. Sure, I’m grateful for my health and the love surrounding me. There are moments that feel just right, but it’s been six years since my last pregnancy, and I know the challenging part is on the horizon.
1. I’ve Been Here Before. Twice.
The first pregnancy was exhilarating. The second was a mix of shock and nerves. Two toddlers under two was not part of my plan! Now, with a 6- and 7-year-old, I feel like I’ve got it all under control. They’re mostly self-sufficient—able to walk, talk, and even whip up their own breakfast. They even let me sneak in some naps. So, why on earth did I think having a newborn would be a blast?
2. More Stuff Is the Last Thing I Want.
Babies don’t just come into the world; they bring a mountain of stuff along with them. And while I appreciate the offers of gear and gadgets, I haven’t had baby things cluttering my space for about four years. I didn’t enjoy the mess before, and this little one won’t be doing much for the first few months, anyway. So as I begrudgingly accept that I need to get some essentials, they’re currently stashed in a corner of the guest room, allowing me to maintain some semblance of normalcy.
3. Let’s Skip the Birth Plan Discussions.
I really have no desire to discuss my birthing strategy, my midwife, or the type of diapers I plan to use. There are countless opinions out there, and honestly, I’d prefer not to hear them. If I want advice, I’ll ask. With my past experiences, my midwife, and a bit of research, I feel well-equipped. And just so we’re clear—if you’re not joining me in the delivery room, you don’t need to know the nitty-gritty details, okay?
4. Social Media Overload.
Let’s be real; social media can be overwhelming. This is one of those times I really dislike it. We considered keeping my pregnancy off Facebook altogether, but I knew someone would spill the beans eventually. If the world is going to find out, I want to be the one to share the news. Now I feel like every pregnancy announcement needs to be a grand event with elaborate reveals. Nope, not for us. At twenty weeks, we shared the gender, and some folks were left speechless. Perfect.
5. 40 Weeks Feels Like an Eternity.
With my first two pregnancies, I found out around ten weeks in; this time, I learned at five weeks. Let me tell you, those next 35 weeks are dragging! Yes, I know we’re past the halfway mark, but each week just inches by. The baby grows from a tiny fruit to something larger, and I find myself unable to say, “I have plenty of time” when asked if I’m ready. Ready for what, exactly? The baby will arrive on its own schedule. All I need is a car seat—which I still don’t have because… well, I have plenty of time.
That said, I know this new little one is going to be incredible. The experience will be unique, and witnessing the joy on my older kids’ faces when they meet their new sibling will be heartwarming. The love I receive from my support system, which stretches across the globe, helps me through the tough days. So while I may not be bubbling with excitement right now, I’m sure that will change soon!
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Summary:
In this reflection on the mixed feelings surrounding the anticipation of a third child, Jenna explores her reasons for not being overly enthusiastic about pregnancy this time. From having already experienced the challenges of newborn life to dealing with the influx of baby gear and social media pressure, she candidly shares her thoughts and reservations. Despite the uncertainty, she remains hopeful and excited about the joy this new addition will bring to her family.