It’s a week of double celebrations and monumental announcements! While some might consider a birthday “week” to be just seven days, when you’re on the cusp of turning thirty, I believe it extends to embrace the eight glorious days leading up to the big one. And trust me, this particular thirtieth birthday holds an even deeper significance than I ever imagined.
But that’s not the only exciting news I’m here to share with the world.
A New Chapter: We’re Expecting a Baby!
If the joyful glimpse of our little one in the ultrasound didn’t make it clear enough, we are absolutely thrilled to announce that we’re having a baby! It’s safe to say that my thirties are already shaping up to be the most extraordinary and fulfilling years of my life. This news has filled our home and hearts with an unparalleled sense of wonder and excitement, setting the stage for an incredible new chapter.
Mr. Britnell and I are overflowing with joy, yet still finding ourselves in a beautiful state of disbelief as we let this incredible reality truly settle in. The journey to this moment has been a deeply personal one, cherished in the quiet moments between us, punctuated by shared smiles and whispered hopes.
Cherishing the Secret, Sharing the Joy
For weeks, we savored the precious secret, a tiny universe of anticipation known only to us and our innermost circle of family and friends. There was something profoundly special about holding onto that intimacy, letting the news blossom within our private world before sharing it with everyone. While a part of me relished extending that private bubble, another part knew it was time. My dear mother, who has been dreaming of grandparenthood for what feels like an eternity, is absolutely on cloud nine. I suspect she might have spontaneously combusted with excitement if I had made her wait even a moment longer! On a special note, it’s also her actual birthday week, so a very Happy Birthday to my incredible Mommy!
Navigating the Early Weeks: From Anxiety to Serenity
The initial weeks of this pregnancy were a delicate balance of immense hope and profound apprehension. Given my naturally cautious personality and the heartbreak of an early miscarriage last year, I found myself navigating the first trimester with a palpable sense of anxiety. Every day felt like a small victory, yet fear often lingered, whispering “what if?” I was utterly terrified that something might go wrong, constantly braced for the worst while desperately hoping for the best. This period was a true emotional rollercoaster, a testament to the vulnerability that comes with such a precious new life.
However, reaching the second trimester brought an almost miraculous shift in my emotional landscape. Hearing our baby’s strong, steady heartbeat for the first time was an indescribable moment of relief and pure joy. Then, witnessing our little one happily bouncing and moving during the ultrasound transformed my level 10 paranoia into a manageable level 3. I’m honestly still surprised and, dare I say, a little confused by how remarkably relaxed I’ve felt over the past five weeks. It’s as if a huge weight has been lifted, allowing me to truly embrace the miracle unfolding within me. This newfound serenity feels like a gift, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the beauty of this pregnancy journey.
The “Chill Baby” Theory: Like Father, Like Child?
I distinctly remember my last check-up, where the doctor began a lengthy explanation about how challenging it can sometimes be to locate a fetal heartbeat, cautioning me not to worry if it took a while or wasn’t immediately found. She then placed that cold wand on my belly, and to everyone’s surprise, the heartbeat was found INSTANTLY! Her response, “Wow, you’ve got a pretty chill baby!”, resonated deeply. Stories from Mr. Britnell’s childhood consistently depict him as an incredibly easy-going, laid-back baby – a temperament he largely maintains as a 31-year-old man. That little interaction with the doctor sparked a hopeful belief: baby Britnell is likely going to be just as calm and relaxed as their father. Fingers crossed that some of that delightful “chill-ness” might even start rubbing off on me!
Embracing Parenthood: Ready, Yet Utterly Unprepared
It’s an overwhelming paradox to feel simultaneously SO ready and yet completely UNprepared for the profound journey of motherhood. There are moments when I look around and wonder, “Who in their right mind is letting me have a child?!” Can a ‘kid’ truly raise a ‘kid’? But then I remember that, at (eight days away from) thirty, I’m hardly a kid anymore. Or, more accurately, we aren’t kids anymore. I often have the same thoughts about Mr. Britnell – are either of us truly equipped for this immense responsibility? My dad always imparted the wisdom that “the best kind of heart is the heart of a child.” Perhaps still feeling a touch childlike isn’t such a bad thing after all, allowing for an open heart and a fresh perspective. I confess, at this point, I’m probably rambling aimlessly, which perfectly mirrors the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that engulf me every time I consider the astonishing fact that in just five short months, Mr. Britnell and I will be entrusted with the care of a tiny human for the next eighteen-plus years. Despite the occasional bout of delightful panic, our excitement is boundless, and we feel mostly ready for this incredible adventure.
A Village of Support: Learning and Growing
In this exciting phase of anticipating parenthood, I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful network of family members and friends who are either seasoned parents or currently navigating the beautiful chaos of raising young children. I’ve already bombarded each of them with what feels like a thousand questions, soaking up every piece of advice and wisdom they offer. From the intricacies of giving birth to the day-to-day realities of caring for an infant, I now possess more knowledge than I ever imagined possible. This outpouring of support has been invaluable, and I feel profoundly grateful to have so many amazing moms and dads in my life. Their collective experience and willingness to share their journeys provide an immense source of comfort and guidance as we prepare to welcome our little one so soon.
The Elusive Baby Bump: A Test of Patience
And before you even think to ask – because my mother and grandmother inquire on a daily basis – NO, I do not have any discernible baby bump at all. Despite being several months along, I’ve only gained a modest two pounds, which I can largely attribute to a rather significant increase in my ice cream consumption (a happy side effect of pregnancy, perhaps!). Part of me, I admit, wants to playfully complain about this lack of a visible bump. I know at least six other women who are due around the same time as me, and all of them already sport rather substantial, adorable baby bumps. Yet, another, more rational part of me is constantly reminded by my doctor and countless articles that every pregnancy is unique. I’ve been assured that our little baby is healthy and thriving, and that the bump will make its grand appearance in full force soon enough. Right? Patience, I must confess, has never been one of my stronger virtues, but this journey is certainly putting it to the test!
On a slightly humorous and confidence-boosting note, my doctor suggested that the absence of an obvious bump might simply be a testament to my intensely strong core muscles. A definite shout-out and thank you to my years of dedicated CrossFit training and roller derby!
Anticipating the Next Adventure: Gender Mystery!
Looking ahead, this is just the first of what will likely be many “baby posts” to come! Up next, I’ll be diving into a topic that has sparked much curiosity: why we’ve decided not to tell anyone the gender of our baby until they are born. (Muahahah, that statement definitely deserves a playful, mischievous laugh, don’t you think?).
Just for the record, all the adorable baby items you see meticulously arranged in these pictures represent the absolute full extent of baby things we currently own. Beyond the charming bassinet I purchased and painstakingly carried back with me from Mexico two years ago (a true testament to early nesting, perhaps?!), I only just made my very first official baby-related purchase this past weekend – those utterly cute moccasins and the pretty white pajamas. The truly adorable “I’m new here” onesie, which holds the distinction of being the very first piece of baby clothing we’ve ever owned, was a thoughtful and cherished gift from my wonderful brother and his amazing girlfriend.
We are beyond super excited to welcome another tiny human into our growing family and embark on this incredible journey of parenthood!