In case you didn’t know already, my wife is very pregnant and the temps have been very summery around here…
It all started back in winter though, I can remember it clearly. I recall that when we had announced our upcoming child, and told people the due date, it began almost immediately. We would say something like, ‘We’re having a baby, we won’t find out it’s sex early, and sometime around August 10th, is our due date.” Right then, is when the sympathy started.
Almost everyone, maybe some people even who read my blog, would begin to tell ‘hot summer pregnancy’ stories. The few predictable lines and questions would center around being uncomfortable in the heat, and readiness to get that baby out as soon as possible. Also, the common word that ended up being mentioned would be ‘miserable!’
Because of the regularity and repetitive nature of these conversations, Lindsay almost became defiant of the inevitable-ness of this seemingly unavoidable reaction to the combination of summertime and pregnancy. Even early on in this journey, I remember her openness to the natural processes she was experiencing and willingness to enjoy it for the amazing gift it is…
Well, if you are wondering if the summer heat has melted away her buoyant and upbeat spirit… It hasn’t.
We are fortunate in several respects, that she has the summer off from her teaching job, and can mainly control her exposure to outside weather. We aren’t pioneers homesteading on the prairie. We do have air conditioning and she stays in it most of the time. She is reasonable with her physical exertion. Besides twisting an ankle while watering the flowers one day, her body has handled this process quite normally.
I am lucky, that my wife has such a positive attitude about the truly dynamic changes she is experiencing. It seems that some people do have a tougher time with pregnancy in the summer. The thing that intrigues me most though, is the almost inherent need to offer up the negative as a first resort. I do think that when we humans share our struggles with each other, we can come closer together, since we then can relate back a tough time of our own. When we show vulnerability, we can connect on deep levels.
In the case of our late summer baby, I think the vulnerable message we have kept to ourselves is that we are really excited and honored to be able to partake in this amazing gift of another life. We are really blessed, that things have gone so smoothly so far. We appreciate that God has allowed us to experience first-hand, His beautiful creation. Complaining about the easily escapable warm weather, has not been on my wife’s list of to-do’s at all. Her confidence in the natural process, makes her sexier by the day to this adoring husband. Yup, my pregnant wife is hot this summer, but it’s not about the temperature 🙂
I am writing boldly today, about a journey we have not yet completed. She has not been miserable yet, in the last 9 months, but it’s not over. Maybe in the next 10 days or less, or more, she will finally get there. Hot and miserable, may yet come. Then when she runs across another soon-to-be mommy, she can deliver that same foreboding message. ‘You’re feeling alright now, but just wait till summer! You’ll be hot and miserable, you’ll see!”
Or maybe she’ll just smile and say “Congratulations! You are about to experience a special gift, enjoy all of it that you can.”
Funny thing to me, is this. When people talk to me about my wife, they mention the same broken record. Hot and miserable. When they tell me about the moment of watching their child come into the world. Almost unanimously, both men and women, younger and older, they all make sure to tell me how special and wonderful and amazing it is. Everyone seems to agree on that part too.
I’m looking forward to the moments ahead, but they can come in their own natural rhythm and time. I hope it’s not tomorrow, but if so we’ll be excited just the same. Until then, Lindsay will be relaxing indoors, making sure to be on the lookout, for when the miserable-ness arrives.
Until next week, be well, stay cool my friends and loved ones.
Sincerely,
Aaron Nichols
I’m glad she’s enjoying it. I really loved my first pregnancy too. We are going to celebrate his 5th year of life in a few days. It goes so fast.
It’s not just the “miserable” summer pregnancy…there is a weird tribal tendency for women to offer up their own battle wounds as a source of guidance to expectant moms. I’m sure it comes from a place of concern and care, but it’s internalized as womp-womp-woooomp. Soon, you’ll hear all about the “misery” of being up all night with your first born. I’m not sure what I miss the most…being miserably pregnant or miserably sleep-deprived. I miss it all!
One of my fav. Blogs as I can relate to so many of your words. Funny line of “….we are not pioneers..” Some people just like to complain. Sounds like you two are having a great pregnancy and excited your the little one’s arrival!!
Keep up the positive attitudes, for it is a fun & exciting time of changes becoming new parents! 🙂
I’m thankful for airconditioning and I know you are too!! You guys are amazing and admire the fact you are enjoying each faze of this beautiful baby about to be born!! She /he is one fortunate baby to have parents like you! ! Prayers!!
I know this is way early… but always talk to your new child of love after disciplining them… let them know why they are in trouble… your child will learn to talk to you when they are in trouble in the future…. as I have found out with doing so with my girls who are now going into their teen years…. I have been blessed with two of the most behaved children…. LOL… unlike their mother…..
So excited for you both to experience this life changing and amazing blessing! I am not sure if you are taking bets or not, but I am guessing a BOY! Best of luck and I SO appreciate your positive attitude! I also despise how negative people can be about this amazing miracle and you two get to witness such a miracle FIRST hand!!! Good luck!
I’m very thankful it wasn’t tonight! I’m definitely feeling it’s a boy btw, pretty excited for you both.