An Announcement + All the Thoughts on Growing a Human

I’ve been keeping a little secret the past few months, and I’m about ready to bust! I’m so happy to finally be able to let you all in on the very best news. We are expecting a baby!

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We are thrilled, terrified, excited, anxious, and overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. I’ve been itching to talk to you about all things baby, which means I’ve got 14 weeks of stored up observations and side notes for you. I promise this blog won’t become a baby blog. The focus here will always be on food, but I hope you’ll indulge me for a bit as I share all the thoughts on growing a human so far. I promise I’ll break it up with pictures of our dog and baby shoes. GAH! Baby shoes and puppies?! Can  you even stand the cuteness?! Okay, here goes!

Week 4-Week 5: Feeling ALL THE FEELINGS. YAY! We’re pregnant! Ahhh! We’re pregnant! This is crazy! What are we doing? This is awesome! OMG!

Week 6-9: The nausea begins. I did not have morning sickness. I had “I-feel-progressively-worse-with-every-passing-minute-of-the-day-sickness.” I generally felt pretty good in the mornings, but by late afternoon I was struggling. The sense of smell women talk about during pregnancy? IT’S A REAL THING. I swear I could smell when someone opened the refrigerator from several rooms away. I thought for sure something terrible was rotting in there, so I forced politely asked the Mr. to clean it out. The culprit was never found, and now I realize the food wasn’t the problem, but my weird pregnancy nose was.

All in all, I didn’t have it nearly as bad as others. I never actually got sick (throwing up is right up there with having emergency surgery in the “list of things I’d like to do today”) and I was able to eat as long as I didn’t think about eating, have to make something for myself to eat, or smell the thing I was eating. I also happened to be experimenting with a gluten free diet during this time, which meant that for about a month I survived on popsicles, Rice Krispies, and take out. I made a total of 4 recipes in the entire month, and I’ll be honest, the few things I did manage to make, edit, and post on the blog still make me a bit nauseous to look at. Sorry, Balsamic Chicken Skillet, but you’ll never be the same after this.

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Week 10- My symptoms disappear, and I PANIC. There are so many things about pregnancy that are completely counter-intuitive. Oh, your boobs don’t hurt and your stomach doesn’t feel like it’s in constant revolt? Something is probably terribly wrong!! You mean you haven’t gained any weight yet? You should definitely worry yourself sick by googling it and reading forums filled with every horror story you can possibly imagine.

Luckily, week 10 was also when we got our first ultrasound. I was an absolute basket case in the Dr.’s office, and it didn’t help that we waited an entire hour for the Dr. to show up. There’s nothing quite so vulnerable as being pants-less and scared out of your mind in a sterilized room. But, let me tell you, every last moment of panic, worry, and sickness was worth it when we got to hear our sweet baby’s heartbeat and see it squirming around like a little ninja. That was one of the coolest things I’ve experienced in my life, ever. What a gift!

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Week 11- I develop a ridiculous craving for cream cheese. I don’t care what vehicle it arrives on, I just need cream cheese delivered to my mouth in mass quantities. I had cream cheese on bagels, on crackers, on toast, on a spoon (sorry/not sorry). One night, the Mr. and I fell asleep talking about how AMAZING cream cheese is, and the next morning he got up early to surprise me with a bag full of Einstein’s bagels and cream cheese schmears. I don’t know if I’ve ever loved him more.

Week 11-Now- I’m feeling strangely normal these days. My energy levels have (mostly) returned, my appetite has definitely returned, and I’m still wearing the same clothes (though I do confess to unbuttoning that top button from time to time). At times it’s hard to believe there’s a little human inside me. I can’t wait until I can start feeling it’s tiny little kicks and squirms. Until then, I’m getting by on gazing at the ultrasound picture, and remembering the strong thump-thump of that heartbeat.

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Honestly, this has been a difficult journey in many ways. As many of you know, I had a miscarriage over a year ago, so I entered into this pregnancy with a trunk full of worry, apprehension, and fear. I thought once I got past the first trimester, I would be able to stop worrying, but that hasn’t been the case. Instead, the worry is simply redirected. I (for the most part) have stopped worrying about losing the baby, and instead have focused on worrying about the baby being healthy, about giving birth, about something going wrong, about having enough money, about getting the nursery done, about KEEPING A TINY HUMAN ALIVE! GAH!

This has been a huge test of my faith. I have daily had to surrender these worries and fears. I finally realized I can either commit to living the rest of my life bearing the burden of worry, or I can give it over to Jesus, trust Him to take care of me and my family, and live in freedom and peace. I’m trying (not always succeeding) at choosing the latter. When I find myself fretting, I go back to these verses in Matthew 6.

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.”

Well, y’all, I’ve spilled the beans and then some! Thank you for listening and for celebrating with us. I’ll be back later this week with some sweets for your Valentine, but first one last picture. Oscar’s still trying to figure this out, but I’m pretty certain he’s going to be a great big brother.

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59 Comments

  1. Hello!! I’ve been browsing the web today for dog/baby announcements and came across your blog today (which I will definitely be revisiting!). I’ve also been scrolling through etsy for ideas and came across this link, which is using the same picture of your dog from above!

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/270021280/mom-and-dad-are-getting-meus-a-human?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=dog%20baby%20announcement&ref=sc_gallery_2&plkey=d7af9e33518d009096db387c11a31bf0f11a161d:270021280

    Just wanted to let you know in case the use of it was unauthorized 🙂 Although for all I know, that Etsy store could be your best friend.

  2. Courtney, your dad and I loved your post and the pictures. I have to say Oscar definitely looks unsure of those adorable shoes. What a brilliant way to share your great news. We are so excited to welcome this new precious addition to our family, but we also have those anxious feelings about being able to keep up with an active toddler. But we know God will give you what you and Will need and we claim the same for us. It is a journey you will enjoy! Can’t wait to cuddle your bundle of joy!! 🙂 Love you loads!

  3. All of the congratulations in the world for you and Will. I am just so so SO happy for you, and feeling clairvoyant knowing that the “feeling” I’ve had about this news for the past few months turned out to be true. Also – did you take these photos of your adorable dog yourself? I’m guessing you did, but wasn’t sure if they were part of a larger maternity shoot of some sort. Either way, they are beautiful! Doggy glamour shots!

  4. Super excited for you Courtney! Welcome to the wonderful world of Motherhood! It’s an amazing journey-Enjoy every moment. Oh and these pics……I can’t stand the cuteness!

  5. Courtney, I can’t tell you how happy I am for you and Will. You guys are going to be the best parents. You’re both wonderful, loving, intelligent, hilarious, strong people who went through hell last year. I actually squealed out loud in excitement yesterday when I saw the announcement on FB. And seriously, how freaking cute is Oscar in these photos with those adorable baby shoes! I can’t believe you made all those dishes while you were going through morning sickness. I’m such a weakling that I would’ve been curled up in a corner, as far away from food as possible. You’re a total trooper. I’m going to be thinking of you constantly this next year and hoping that your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible. Love you always, lady!

    1. You are far too kind! Thanks for the encouragement. I sure need it. Sometimes the responsibility of caring for another human being totally overwhelms me. I’m so glad everyone else can appreciate a baby announcement that’s basically filled with pictures of our dog! HA! He was our first baby, and he’s so photogenic–how can you resist? 🙂 And please don’t be impressed–I seriously spent about four weeks on the couch in my pjs, with crazy zombie unwashed hair, eating popsicles.

  6. CONGRATS!!! I have a 14month old and can totally identify with all those things you are feeling. Good news: it’s normal and revealing. The Lord will use pregnancy to draw you closer to Himself but be prepared for your heart to be revealed in the process. So hard but so good. Bad news: the worry doesn’t ever go away. I now have anxiety about leaving him with babysitters (we have no close family), sickness, is he progressing normally…on and on. Constant surrender but oh what a gift! So, So happy for you

  7. Lovely post! I believe you are the 3rd food blogger I follow who has announced a pregnancy this year. Congratulations and God bless!

  8. Yay!! SO happy for your Courtney! You are going to be a great mom, and here’s how I know: really nice, genuine, thoughtful people make the best mom’s. You are going to be fine. I understand the worry, though. It never really goes away, but lucky for us we know about the atonement. These verses have helped me a lot in the past. Congratulations!! PS Oscar really does look super quizzical in that last photo! Like what is going on. So cute.

  9. YAY! Congratulations! This is so exciting!
    omg–stay out of those dang pregnancy forums! I swear I didn’t have a single symptom until I read that I was ‘supposed to have symptom x.’ It’s a slippery slope.

  10. Congrats! I’m so happy for you. I’ve thought of you often since your miscarriage post and I’m so happy to see you in this place now.

  11. Congratulations! I am 35 weeks and I, too, got bulldozed by a superhuman craving for cream cheese! Isn’t that strange? I almost never at it before. I didn’t develop a sweet tooth until the 3rd trimester and luckily, didn’t have to contend with gestational diabetes. There are a lot of scary things about pregnancy, especially if you’ve experienced loss or in my case, were told you could probably never get pregnant. What I will say is that for me, the worry subsided as soon as I felt my little one moving around. It just disappeared and was replaced with so much joy and peace. I’m thankful God lets us experience this. It’s such a gift!

    1. The cream cheese thing was so bizarre. I’ve never disliked it, but like you, I never had it much either. It’s crazy what your body does! This is a really crazy/awesome/miracle experience. I have a much greater appreciation for all the things that go into a child coming into this world. You’re so right–it’s such a huge blessing! Hope the next five weeks fly by for you. You’ll have that baby in your arms in no time!

  12. Hooray!! This is such exciting news! And Oscar will make such a great big brother to a tiny hooman!

  13. YAAAAAAAAY!!! Courtney I’m SO EXCITED FOR YOU GUYS! And yes to all the things you wrote about – that’s basically how both of my pregnancies were. I still can’t chew the mint gum that made me sick over three years ago when I was preggo with Wes…that baffles me. But it’s so worth it! Praying for you three 🙂

  14. YES YES YES!!!! I am SO excited for you!!! I’m so glad you’re feeling better, too! The morning sickness is terrible, and I’m beyond impressed that you’re able to run a food blog while pregnant.

    I totally hear you on the fear. I was a basket case for all of the first trimester and most of the second for all the reasons you mentioned. I have never prayed more or had to trust God more than I have this past year. Praying for health and peace for all of you.

    1. Thanks so much Michelle! Overall I feel thankful I didn’t have it worse. I felt so bad when I read about your experiences. I’m glad you’ve been able to enjoy the last few months more than the first. 🙂 We definitely appreciate the prayers. It’s a crazy wonderful/terrifying experience. I have so much more of an appreciation for what a miracle it is (and how little control I really have over it). So excited for you guys too! Maybe we’ll have to have a play date later this year. 🙂 Gah! How crazy will that be??

      1. A playdate!! That’s crazy that it’s even a possibility and I love it! We’ll both have babies by the end of summer and that blows my mind in so many ways.

  15. I am so happy for you two. If anyone is going to be the most awesome parents, it’s going to be the both of you. Plus sweet Oscar, oh I just love these photos so much. He’s going to be a good big brother, protecting that little human of yours!

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