Although the first trimester is the shortest, because you don’t know you’re pregnant until a third of the way through it, and the slowest, since there isn’t much changing as far external appearance or daily life, there is still quite a bit that one can learn. Over the past few months I have considered, observed, and researched different things that I have seen and heard and I feel I’ve learned quite a bit from doing so.
For instance, I’ve learned that every pregnancy is different. We’ve all heard stories, perhaps witnessed, or even seen how Hollywood portrays morning sickness. Before Michelle was pregnant I would have thought that all women experience morning sickness that No Hangover that I have ever had could hold a candle to. I always thought that morning sickness would be so bad that no woman would ever want to have kids in fear of dealing with the nausea and vomiting of the first trimester. Imagine my surprise when my wife never once got physically ill. Sure she was nauseous at times and definitely exhausted but she never got sick. This was the first piece of the puzzle that caused me to realize that all pregnancies are different.
Along those lines I have also learned that almost all women have a pregnancy horror story. Some so horrific that if it had actually happened they would either be dead or would have sworn off having kids and not had their other 5 babies. The other amusing thing about this is that the moment these people find out you’re (or your wife in my case) is pregnant they feel they are obligated to tell you all about these horrors in graphic detail. In most cases describing parts of their body and things they went through with no regard for where they are, who’s around, who has a weak stomach, and/or who may be eating.
Oh speaking of eating, I have learned that during a pregnancy a woman will create her own version of the five food groups. In Michelle’s case the only food group that still resembles universal standards is the “Fruits” category. Apparently Spraggle LOVES the summer fruits like cherries, watermelon, strawberries, and grapes. The other food groups that Michelle has (in order of importance) are: Mac and Cheese (she could eat this 3 times a day Everyday), Funnel Cake, Chocolate chip cookies, and pickles.
That being said never let a pregnant woman go food shopping alone. If she wants chocolate chip cookies she will assume that you want them as well and purchase 6 boxes of them (just in case). And although she really wants the cookies she will eat half a jar of pickles on her way home from the store (actually happened).
Another thing I learned is that my wife and I are actually half decent at keeping a secret. Although, we were paranoid most of the time because we swore most of our friends and family knew she was pregnant (they just didn’t want to say anything), we were thoroughly surprised at everyone’s reaction when we told them. The whole reveal was both exciting and a lot of fun. Which in turn made us even more excited about the pregnancy, something we didn’t think could even be possible.
Which brings me to the last item on my list; over the last 3 months I realized that I know NOTHING about babies but I am VERY excited to learn. Going to the OB/GYN with my wife has been an eye opening experience and I have done TONS of research online about pregnancy, in utero babies, and what we need to do before Spraggle is born. All of which have led me to realize that I am completely unacquainted with this topic. Hell, this week we’re going out to look at baby furniture and my only goal during the trip is to see what the difference is between a crib, a cradle, a bassinet, a Mose’s basket, and a Pack n’ Play ‘cause I thought they were all the same thing. Apparently they’re not. But you know what? I’m excited to learn.
