An Unexpected Blessing, a.k.a. Our Baby Girl

Less than a month after we were married, we discovered that our newly-formed family of two had become a family of three. If we were to continue expanding the family at this rate, we would just about need a mini-bus before our fifth wedding anniversary!

Having a baby so soon had never been part of our plan, although we had never really established a firm “plan.” For the most part, we were pretty focused on getting our house ready to be inhabited and finalizing wedding details. We didn’t take much pre-wedding time to talk through our plans for that kind of post-wedding thing…figured there would be plenty of time for that after we got through the wedding. As many couples as there are out there that have such a difficult time “starting a family,” we never seriously considered the possibility of having a baby right away.

So much for the luxury of pre-pregnancy planning! The whole idea of taking folic acid supplements for six months before conceiving was right down the drain, along with a whole pile of other recommendations. Judging from some of the pre-pregnancy checklists out there, our daughter should be a health mess, and I should have had a miserable pregnancy. Oh well–wrong on both counts. God preserved us both, despite my fanaticism in eating the foods with the vitamins and minerals I needed, rather than popping prenatal vitamins.

For those who have an opportunity to take care of some preparations before conceiving, there are many websites with advice, recommendations, and checklists. One plus of our timing was that I was in great shape, having been exercising faithfully for a couple years, partially in preparation for the wedding. The exercise before, throughout, and shortly following her birth was probably the best “move” we made, in any of the things we were able to control–that, and opting for a birthing center. With the surprise of suddenly having to find a caregiver for prenatal appointments through delivery and postpartum care, we worked off the insurance list, and the birth center we found was a God-send.

If we had it to do all over again, we would, most likely, change nothing. That is human nature, and we are no exception. As far as the birthing center was concerned, there would definitely be no changes. The only changes I would hope we would make would be mostly in the postpartum period, when I fell for a couple postpartum myths that most moms probably want to believe…. I’m still trying to get rid of the baby belly. Granted, I could have been more vigilant during the pregnancy, probably have passed up some of the chocolate and peanut butter (my only valid craving). Life would probably be easier now!

Although we didn’t “schedule” her, our little girl is an absolute joy, except for those rare moments when she runs out of good behavior and melts down. Even then, we’re so very thankful for her. We wouldn’t send her back, even if we could, and we’re growing to love her more every day, as the little person in there is emerging, and we’re getting to know her.